Kylian Mbappé is on a tear. TThe Real Madrid star has exploded into 2025 with an incredible goalscoring streak, scoring eight goals in his first eight games of the new year. This takes his season tally to an impressive 22 goals in all competitions. The French forward has scored in all competitions this season – Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, La Liga and the Champions League.
Wear the iconic number 9 shirt, previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo in his first season at Real MadridMbappé is on course to surpass Ronaldo’s first season goal total. Ronaldo finished the 2009-10 season with 33 goals.
Given Mbappé’s current form, he was able to surpass that mark in less than a month. This comparison highlights Mbappé’s exceptional start to his career with Real Madrid and how he is surpassing Ronaldo in his first season.
Contextualizing Success: Different Paths to Glory
However, it is important to acknowledge the contrasting contexts of Ronaldo and Mbappé’s first seasons at Real Madrid. Ronaldo came to a club that is still under construction, far from its peak. He did not participate in the Supercopa or Intercontinental Cup in his first season.
His Champions League performance, while solid (seven goals in six games), ended in a disappointing outcome in the round of 16 against Lyon. Mbappé, on the other hand, joined a reigning La Liga and Champions League champion, a team already operating at an elite level.
Mbappé himself acknowledged the difference in context, saying he had to adapt to an already established winning team. He didn’t just get the ball; he had to be integrated into an existing system. This, in contrast to Ronaldo’s situation, gave Mbappé more opportunities to shine from the startwhich immediately contributes to title wins starting with the UEFA Super Cup. Ronaldo had to wait 82 games for his first title with Real Madrid (Copa del Rey 2011).
The numbers game: A great comparison
As of January 27, Mbappé’s 22 goals have come from 33 games. During a similar period of his first season, Ronaldo had scored 15 goals in 16 games. While the numbers speak for themselves, these facts provide a nuanced perspective on the comparison between Mbappé and Ronaldo in their first seasons at Real Madrid.
Both players achieved significant success in their first season with Real Madrid, but Mbappé has shown exceptional scoring consistency at an even faster rate than Ronaldo.
Mbappé’s incredible goalscoring form places him among Europe’s elite. He is fighting hard for the title of top scorer in all major European leaguescompeting against top names such as Lewandowski, Haaland, Kane and Salah. His exceptional January, where he has outperformed all other players, cements his place in this elite group. His outstanding form and goalscoring consistency help him maintain his place among the top goalscorers in European football.
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