Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed on Monday his belief that Kylian Mbappe is capable of becoming a club legend, much like all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ancelotti’s comments came during a news conference where he highlighted Mbappe’s potential to mirror the success achieved by the Portuguese forward at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti stated, “What I wish for Mbappe is that he is capable of achieving what Ronaldo did at Real Madrid – and I think that he can do it. That means he will be a legend at Real Madrid, like Cristiano Ronaldo is.”
Ronaldo, who joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, departed in 2018 as the club’s top scorer, having netted 450 goals across his nine-year spell. In his first season with the club, Ronaldo scored 33 goals in 35 games, setting a benchmark for future strikers.
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, reached the same milestone of 33 goals in his debut season with the Spanish giants, a feat that he acknowledged with pride.
Following a brace against Leganes in La Liga on Saturday, the 26-year-old reflected on the significance of matching Ronaldo’s tally, describing it as "very special."
“We know what he means for Real Madrid and me, we speak, he gives me a lot of advice,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV, underscoring his admiration for the legendary forward.
As Madrid continues to challenge on three fronts this season, Mbappe’s goal tally could see further growth.
Real Madrid are set to face Real Sociedad on Tuesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in San Sebastian.
Ancelotti’s squad is poised to make history, with the coach aiming to become the first to lift the Copa del Rey three times with Real Madrid.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Ancelotti commented, “To be close to a final motivates me, it motivates the players and it motivates the club. It’s an achievement to play in a final in any competition, so to be so close, to have a small advantage, and because we’ll have the support of our fans obviously motivates us even more.”
