Kylian Mbappé one goal from Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar-year Real Madrid record | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé is one goal from matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar-year record at Real Madrid, with Sevilla visiting La Liga at 21:00. He also turns 27 today. The benchmark is 59, set in 2013.

Amid a gloomy end to the year, Mbappé has been the bright spot, rekindling memories of CR7. According to L'Équipe, after a slow start he has found a ruthless stride. He is chasing history inside 18 months, while Ronaldo hit that mark only in his fourth season.

Former Madrid midfielder Rafael Martin Vazquez notes shared professionalism, leadership and ambition. He points to explosive, instant finishing and acceleration that pins defenders. Both may be quiet, then decide matches.

As in 2009 to 2018, Mbappé’s voice carries weight with coaches and in the dressing room. Inside the club he is viewed as more unifying and less domineering than CR7.

Commercially he is outpacing his idol. Club staff describe record shirt sales, thought to be roughly double last year, and on Thursday seven of 10 purchases bore his name.

If he matches or beats the record, Madrid would welcome the global ripple and distraction. Latorre believes that, if he stays fit like Cristiano, Mbappé could leave a bigger mark and even top the club’s scoring charts. Vazquez says sustained impact and major trophies are still required.

Source: L'Équipe