Kylian Mbappé closes in on CR7 after reaching Real Madrid milestone

The Frenchman has hit rich form in 2025 and has built a powerful relationship with Jude Bellingham at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In December, Carlo Ancelotti was asked how Kylian Mbappé felt at home at Real Madrid after finally arriving after a decade of speculation.

“His adjustment period is over,” Ancelotti said of Mbappé at the time. “He is already showing how good he is, although he can still improve.”

Ancelotti's words have proven correct as the Frenchman has embarked on a clinical run of goal-scoring form, highlighting why Madrid have spent so much time and effort to secure his services. On Saturday, Mbappe opened the scoring with a clinical finish at Real Valladolid, combining well with Jude Bellingham to cut through the opposition defence.

That was Mbappe's 20th goal for Real Madrid, and he added another in the second half. With 21 goals from his first 32 games at the club, Mbappe has a chance to improve on his hero's debut season.

Can Mbappe beat Cristiano Ronaldo's debut season?

The Frenchman arrived in the Spanish capital last summer and made a flying start by scoring on his debut in the UEFA Super Cup victory over Atlanta United. However, he subsequently failed to score in his first three La Liga games and only once in his first five Champions League appearances for the club.

But now, after Ancelotti made some adjustments to Madrid's attacking structure, Mbappe is looking back to his ruthless best. Despite a patchy start, Mbappe should still finish the season with more than 30 goals and could even better Cristiano Ronaldo's goals from his first year at the club.

CR7 scored 33 goals in 35 appearances during his first season at the Bernabeu, a campaign that was hampered by a seven-week spell on the sidelines. Madrid achieved 96 points that year but still finished second behind Pep Guardiola's Barcelona. Los Blancos ended the season without a trophy.

Mbappé has made no secret of the fact that Ronaldo was a huge inspiration to him growing up. After finally making the move to Real Madrid, Mbappé was able to match and even surpass his debut season performances.