Kylian Mbappe dedicated his latest Real Madrid milestone to Cristiano Ronaldo after equalling the club legend’s long-standing calendar-year goalscoring record.
The France captain struck late in Madrid’s 2–0 LaLiga win over 10-man Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, converting an 86th-minute penalty on his 27th birthday.
It was a moment of history for Mbappe, who netted his 59th goal in 59 appearances in 2025, matching the club record Ronaldo set back in 2013.
Mbappe was relentless throughout the contest, hitting the woodwork and firing off nine shots in total, four of which tested the Sevilla goalkeeper.
His persistence was finally rewarded when Rodrygo won a spot-kick late on, allowing the forward to calmly step up and make history from 12 yards.
Ronaldo’s 59-goal haul had stood untouched for 12 years, with no other player in Real Madrid colours able to reach the mark.
Mbappe arrived at the clash needing just one goal to draw level and two to surpass it, and while the decisive strike came late, it proved enough to put him alongside the club’s greatest modern icon.
After scoring, the Frenchman did Ronaldo’s iconic “siu” celebration and went on to reveal how much of an influence the legendary Portuguese has had on his Real Madrid career.
“It’s a special day, it’s my birthday. Since I was little, I’ve said it’s a dream to play a professional match on my birthday, especially with Real Madrid, the club of my dreams,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.
“We won, which was very important. It was the goal. And the record is incredible. In my first year, to do it like my idol, the best in Real Madrid’s history, a benchmark for world football.
“I wanted to give him a nod in the celebration. He’s always been kind to me, helping me adapt to Real Madrid. We’ve talked a lot. It was nice.
“I have my own celebration, but I wanted to do it like him to dedicate it to him. I have a very good relationship with him.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
