Kylian Mbappe scored his 50th Real Madrid goal in just 64 games, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid also achieved milestones, winning their 200th Champions League game and scoring 700 goals in the competition.
Kylian Mbappe etched his name further into Real Madrid folklore on Tuesday, notching his 50th goal for the club with a brace of penalties against Marseille in the Champions League. This milestone arrived in a mere 64 appearances, a feat surpassed only by Cristiano Ronaldo, who blazed to 50 goals in just 54 games after his celebrated transfer from Manchester United in 2009.
To put Mbappe's achievement into perspective, consider that former Real Madrid stalwart Karim Benzema required 106 matches to reach the same mark, while Mbappe's current teammate, Vinicius Jr, needed a comparatively lengthy 200 games. The comparisons with Ronaldo are particularly striking, given the Portuguese icon's unparalleled success at the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, adorned his nine-year spell at Real Madrid with an astonishing haul of silverware, including four Champions League crowns and two La Liga titles. His prolificacy in front of goal saw him amass a club-record 450 goals, a benchmark that Mbappe will undoubtedly aspire to challenge in the years to come.
Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid has injected a fresh dynamism into the team's attacking play. Despite not securing a domestic trophy in his debut season and witnessing his former club, Paris St-Germain, lift the Champions League trophy, Mbappe's impact has been undeniable. While PSG has adapted seamlessly to life after Mbappe, the Frenchman has brought a new dimension to Real's offensive capabilities.
Last season, Mbappe showcased his scoring prowess by bagging 44 goals in 56 matches across all competitions. He has seamlessly carried that form into the new campaign, already registering six goals in five outings. His performances have not only thrilled the Real Madrid faithful but have also solidified his status as one of the world's premier footballers.
Adding to the sense of legacy, Mbappe inherited the iconic number 10 shirt this summer, previously worn by Real Madrid legends such as Ferenc Puskas, Luis Figo, and most recently, Luka Modric. This symbolic gesture underscores the club's faith in Mbappe's ability to carry the torch for a new generation of Real Madrid supporters.
Following the victory against Marseille, Mbappe humbly stated, "I do what the boss asks me to do. I want to help the team - if it is scoring goals, pressing, or assists." This team-oriented mindset, coupled with his exceptional talent, has quickly endeared him to both teammates and fans alike.
Mbappe's individual accolades continue to mount. This month, he surpassed Thierry Henry to become France's second-highest scorer of all time, a testament to his consistent goal-scoring exploits on the international stage. Furthermore, Mbappe holds the distinction of being PSG's record goalscorer, having netted 256 goals during his tenure with the Parisian club after joining from Monaco in 2017.
Real Madrid's triumph over Marseille also marked two significant milestones for the club. They became the first team to record 200 Champions League victories (excluding the European Cup era) and the first to score 700 goals in the competition, a staggering 68 goals ahead of their nearest rivals. These achievements underscore Real Madrid's enduring dominance in European football's premier club competition.
Real Madrid stands as the most decorated club in the history of the Champions League and European Cup, having hoisted the coveted trophy on 15 occasions, including an impressive six times in the past 12 seasons. With Mbappe leading the line, the club will undoubtedly be aiming to add to that tally in the years to come.