“Dedicated to Ronaldo, Who Helped Me Settle Here”: Mbappé on the Record He Equaled
Mbappé Achieves Historic Mileststart
Kylian Mbappé continues to carve his name into the history of Real Madrid by reaching an incredible mileststart of 59 goals in 2025, equalling a record previously set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013-a level that was deemed nearly unreachable until now. The French star converted a penalty kick in the 85th minute of the match against Sevilla, securing a 2-0 victory for Madrid on his 27th birthday.
Mbappé celebrated his goal by imitating Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, a gesture of respect towards the player he regards as an idol and a mentor. “It’s amazing to achieve this in my first year like Cristiano, the greatest player in the history of Real Madrid. This celebration is for him. He has always been good to me, helped me settle in Madrid, and now I’m glad I can help Real Madrid win matches. I wanted to share this moment with him. We have a great relationship; he is my friend now. I send my regards to him and all Real Madrid fans, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year,” said Mbappé after the game.
Coach Alonso’s Remarks
Xabi Alonso praised Mbappé following his achievement, stating, “I want to congratulate Kylian on this amazing record. His ambition is always good for the team. Today he reached a historic mileststart, like that of Cristiano, and I wish him a strong start to 2026.”
Concerns Surrounding Madrid’s Performance
Despite the significance of Mbappé’s record, the performance of Real Madrid during the match did not impress critics or fans. The game was described by AS as a “record amidst boos,” reflecting the home crowd’s dissatisfaction at the Bernabéu Stadium. Furthermore, Marca noted, “Real Madrid’s victory does not obscure worrisome performances.”
Alonso, who is under scrutiny, acknowledged that while the team secured the win, there were expectations that were not met. “The priority was to win, and we did that. There were things that did not go as we expected. We want to start 2026 strongly. We came with several missing players, and the team made a considerable effort. I do not judge the future based on today’s performance, as I know we can improve.”
Defensive Concerns and Team Dynamics
Reports highlighted serious concerns about Real Madrid’s defensive strategy and overall teamwork. The team’s pressing was criticized as a “complete farce,” with descriptions of players arriving late and out of sync. Attempts at high pressing appeared disorganized, exacerbating issues on the field and contributing to doubts regarding the team’s current form.
In conclusion, while Kylian Mbappé’s achievement stands as a shine of hope, the overall state of the team presents challenges that the coaching staff must address moving forward. Fans will be eager to see if Real Madrid can shake off doubts and improve their performance in the coming year.