Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has respectfully played down suggestions that he is attempting to surpass or even compare himself to Cristiano Ronaldo’s monumental legacy at the club.
The comments, made to Marca following Mbappé’s receipt of the prestigious 2024-25 European Golden Boot, underscored the French star’s humility and focus on forging his own path at the Bernabéu.
Mbappé, who registered 31 goals in La Liga last season to secure the Golden Boot, becoming only the third Madrid player to do so, addressed the inevitable comparisons to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Everyone knows that Cristiano is the reference in Madrid, the number one,” Mbappé stated. “I’ve been here for a year and a half, and he was here for nine years. I can’t compare myself to what he did; my path is different. I want to make my way.”
The 26-year-old expressed immense pride in simply being mentioned alongside his idol but made it clear that individual goal records are secondary to collective glory.
“Being mentioned alongside Cristiano is already an honour,” he added, before clarifying his primary objective. “But I’m only focused on forging my own path, helping the team, and winning every title possible.”
Mbappé’s sensational form has continued this season, starting the 2025-26 campaign with 13 goals in 11 La Liga games, proving he is well on track to achieving his team-based ambitions under manager Xabi Alonso.