Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid Dream: Idolizing Ronaldo, Surpassing Records, and Embracing the Pressure
Kylian Mbappé’s lifelong admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo is no secret. From posters adorning his childhood bedroom walls to his ultimate goal of donning the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid – a dream realized in 2024 – the French superstar has always looked up to the Portuguese legend.
Despite not clinching a major title in his debut season with Los Blancos, Mbappé made an immediate impact, netting an notable 44 goals in 59 appearances. This remarkable tally not only showcased his electrifying talent but also saw him surpass Cristiano RonaldoS own debut season goal count of 33 for Real Madrid, a testament to Mbappé’s burgeoning legacy.
Even as he carves his own path in football history, Mbappé remains deeply respectful of his idol. In a recent interview conducted in fluent Spanish, he reiterated Ronaldo’s status as Madrid’s reference player
. This heartfelt tribute acknowledges Ronaldo’s monumental achievements at the club, including four Champions League titles and a staggering 450 goals. Mbappé, while acknowledging his own notable contributions, humbly notes the difference in tenure: If Mbappé was Real’s fireworks maker last season, Ronaldo was for nine years and me almost a year and a half
.
mbappé elaborated on his profound respect for Ronaldo, stating, I think that in Madrid, he is the number 1, he is the reference player in Madrid who has done a lot of things. People, even today, dream of him and all the things he did. Cristiano Ronaldo has always been my role model, an example for me, I have the chance to talk to him, he gives me advice, he helps me… he is my number one.
He embraces the immense pressure that comes with playing for the world’s most prestigious club, adding, I’m at the best club in the world and I have to win and do well. That’s the pressure.
The conversation also touched upon Mbappé’s experience playing alongside Lionel Messi. He described it as a chance
he never anticipated, given his lifelong aspiration to play for Real Madrid. I didn’t think I was going to play with him in my career as my dream was Madrid, I didn’t plan to go to Barcelona one day in my life, I thought he was going to stay at Barcelona for life.
Mbappé expressed immense gratitude for the learning experience, calling it a golden opportunity
to have had such a special player nearby during two very rich years
.
