Mbappe Says Ronaldo Still King at Bernabéu to This Day

Kylian Mbappe may be the new face of Real Madrid now, but in his eyes, only one figure remains the club's greatest symbol: Cristiano Ronaldo. Although the legend left the Santiago Bernabéu in 2018, Mbappe insists Ronaldo's influence has never faded.

“Cristiano has always been a role model for me. I was lucky to speak with him; he often gave me advice and helped me a lot. In my opinion, he’s still number one in Madrid. He remains the reference point for Real Madrid players,” said Mbappe, as quoted by ESPN on Monday, October 13, 2025.

This statement comes from the player now seen as Ronaldo’s heir at Madrid. But for Mbappe, comparing himself to CR7 is excessive. He prefers to acknowledge Ronaldo as the blueprint of what it means to be a Los Blancos icon.

Ronaldo's Legacy Still Lives at the Bernabéu

During his nine seasons at Real Madrid (2009–2018), Ronaldo scored 450 goals and delivered 16 trophies, including four Champions League titles – a record still unmatched by anyone today.

It's no wonder Mbappe believes Ronaldo's aura is still felt in the dressing room and the Bernabéu stands.

“The fans still dream of Cristiano. But I want to forge my own path,” he said with deep respect.

That sentence reflects the balance between Mbappe’s reverence and personal ambition. He knows replacing a legend like Ronaldo isn’t easy, but he came to Madrid not to be a duplicate, but to create a new chapter in the club’s history.

A Sharp Debut Season, But Not Perfect

Mbappe’s debut season in Madrid was spectacular individually. He ended the 2024–2025 campaign with 44 goals, an incredible feat even for a new LaLiga arrival. By the start of the following season, he’d added 14 more, cementing his status as Los Blancos' main goalscoring machine.

However, those achievements weren’t enough to deliver a major trophy for Madrid last season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side is still searching for balance after a bitter 2–5 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.

“They came to play the derby, and so did we, but without intensity. They won every duel. It’s hard to win playing like that,” Mbappe stated, reflective yet honest.

Madrid now leads the LaLiga table after eight games, two points ahead of Barcelona. But Mbappe knows the road to the title is long and pressure-filled.

Alongside his club exploits, Mbappe remains France's key player. He recently scored as Les Bleus defeated Azerbaijan 3–0 in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Unfortunately, that match brought slight concern as he suffered an ankle injury, similar to one sustained at Madrid the previous week.

Despite this, Mbappe remains optimistic about France’s World Cup chances.

“In my opinion, Spain is the best team in Europe right now. But the World Cup is a different competition,” said the 2018 World Cup winner.

For Mbappe, the global tournament isn’t just about team success; it’s also a moment to cement his status as one of the best players of his generation.

Vinicius Isn't a Rival, But a Harmonious Partner

Another focal point is the dynamic between Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Both operate on the left flank, leading media to speculate about rivalry. But Mbappe firmly dismisses this.

> “Two famous players in one team attracts attention, but the reality is my relationship with Vinicius is excellent. This year is much better because we know each other now,” he said.

On the pitch, their synergy is clearer. Vinicius often acts as the creator, while Mbappe exploits space to finish chances. Their partnership could become Madrid’s deadliest weapon this season and, perhaps, the key to restoring the club’s European dominance.