Kylian Mbappe’s form has fans and analysts buzzing, with many believing that Ronaldo’s records are under threat if the French superstar maintains his current scoring streak.
After a slow start to his Real Madrid career, French talisman Mbappe is in the form of his life and doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.
Signed on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe has quickly established himself as a central figure at Real Madrid, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
Though initially struggling to replicate his PSG heroics, the French forward has settled in, finding his rhythm and asserting his authority in the attack. With his blistering form, Mbappe looks poised not only to lead the Galácticos but also to chase down and potentially break records that have stood for years.
Are Ronaldo’s Records Really Under Threat? Breaking Down the Numbers
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in the 2009 summer transfer window and spent nine unforgettable years at the club, making 438 appearances and scoring 450 goals – a record that has established him as the all-time leading goalscorer in the club’s history. The record has long looked unbreakable, but with Kylian Mbappe now at the Santiago Bernabéu, the possibility of it being broken no longer feels far-fetched.
If the Frenchman maintains his red-hot form and commits his future to Real Madrid, there is every possibility he could match or even surpass Ronaldo’s numbers, as he has so far reached 50 goals in 64 games in all competitions.
UEFA Champions League Records
Ronaldo, who stands as Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with 105 goals, also set the record for the most goals in a single campaign with 17. These are milestones Mbappe will surely be targeting as he continues his prolific run on Europe’s biggest stage.
Mbappe’s hat-trick against Pafos in the second group stage match has taken his tally to five goals in just two games, following his brace against Marseille in the first round – a start that keeps him firmly on track to challenge the record and also put Ronaldo’s records under threat.
Considering his age and form, he could well be on course to shatter records that once appeared untouchable.
Ronaldo’s Records Broken by Mbappe
Among the many storylines of his career so far, one of the most striking has been Ronaldo’s records broken by Mbappe.
Most Goals in a Debut Season at Real Madrid
In the 2009/2010 season, Ronaldo ended the campaign with 33 goals, and the record stood for 15 years until Mbappe broke the record, having ended the 2024/25 season with 34 goals.
Scoring in All Competitions in One Season
Ronaldo’s first year at Madrid saw him score in three competitions (La Liga, UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey). The team didn’t participate in the Spanish Super Cup as they didn’t win the La Liga or Copa del Rey the previous season.
But in the first five months of Mbappe’s tenure at the club, he had scored in six competitions (La Liga, Champions League, European Supercup, Intercontinental Cup, Spanish Supercup, King’s Cup), a milestone Ronaldo didn’t achieve in that timeframe.
Fastest to 50 Champions League Goals
It took Ronaldo 91 games to reach 50 goals in the Champions League; Kylian Mbappe reached 50 Champions League goals in fewer games (79).
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Potential Barriers to Breaking Ronaldo’s Records
Injuries
One of the main reasons behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking career at Real Madrid was the length he would go to remain fit and avoid long-term injuries. In his nine years at the club, the Portuguese legend rarely missed long stretches of action, with the longest period he stayed away from the pitch being around four months due to a ligament issue in the 2014/15 campaign.
For the most part, he stayed available and played almost every game, which allowed him to rack up 450 goals in 438 appearances
For Mbappe to reach the number of goals CR7 was able to amass at the club, his fitness has to be his number one priority. He has to stay healthy, as this key factor could hinder his ambitions.
Longevity
After addressing his fitness and maintaining consistency on the pitch, the next decisive factor in Mbappe’s chase of Ronaldo’s records is longevity. Records of such magnitude are not broken in one or two seasons – they require consistency and years of sustained brilliance.
Cristiano Ronaldo spent nine unforgettable seasons at Real Madrid, allowing him to rack up 450 goals and establish himself as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
The big question now is: how long will Mbappe stay at the Santiago Bernabéu? His ability to equal or surpass Ronaldo‘s numbers will depend heavily on his commitment to the club. Longevity requires not only fitness and form but also stability off the pitch. That means resolving any potential contract disputes with the hierarchy and ensuring he remains the focal point of Real Madrid’s attack for the foreseeable future.
At the age of 26, if Mbappe dedicates the prime of his career to Los Blancos, he won’t just be knocking on Ronaldo’s door – he could very well rewrite the history books as he puts Ronaldo’s records under threat like never before.
Competition in the Squad
An imbalanced or egocentric squad that puts their personal glory ahead of the team’s would not only cause disharmony on and off the pitch, but would also disrupt the team’s chemistry.
During Ronaldo’s era, he was surrounded by the likes of Bale, Benzema, Kroos, and other key figures who prioritised the team’s goals above their own, a mentality that allowed Real Madrid to dominate Europe.
If internal competition arises and players start seeking the spotlight for themselves, it could create major issues – potentially derailing Mbappe’s pursuit of Ronaldo’s records.
Conclusion
Records are meant to be broken, no matter how long it takes. Yet the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo set a standard so high that many players have doubted their ability and whether they could ever come close.
Mbappe, however, is proving to be the exception. The former Monaco attacker is just five goals away from becoming France’s all-time leading scorer. The 26-year-old forward has Ronaldo’s records under threat as he continues to score at an astonishing rate for both club and country.
If he continues in this form, without hindrances, he could not only write his name into French football history but also into the history books at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 05.07.2024