Mbappe asked Alonso to start against Talavera as he eyes Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe’s presence in the starting XI against Talavera was not just a tactical decision. 

In fact, according to a revelation made by Tomas Roncero in AS, the Real Madrid forward personally approached Xabi Alonso and asked to play the match, driven by a clear personal objective.

At the time, Mbappe was on the verge of history. Just before the Talavera clash, he was only three goals away from equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals scored in a calendar year for Real Madrid, and four away from surpassing it. 

The significance of that milestone was not lost on the French star, who has always spoken of Ronaldo as a major inspiration in his career.

Against Talavera, Mbappe delivered once again. He found the net twice, bringing himself within touching distance of matching Ronaldo’s tally. 

That brace has now set up a final opportunity to either equal or break the record, with the upcoming La Liga home match against Sevilla standing as his last chance this year.

One more opportunity

Mbappe’s numbers in 2025 underline just how relentless his form has been. He has already scored four hat-tricks this calendar year. On top of that, he registered a four-goal haul against Olympiacos. 

Sevilla, his next opponent, also represent favourable ground, as he scored twice in each of the two matches he played against them last season.

Mbappe scored two goals vs Talavera. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

What makes his start against Talavera even more striking is the context around his fitness. Mbappe had been dealing with physical discomfort in the weeks leading up to the game, which made his inclusion a surprise. 

Given the opponent and the tight schedule, resting him would have been logical and widely accepted. 

However, the decision came from the player himself, who was eager to stay on course for history.

There is, however, another narrative that raises concerns for Real Madrid. 

As such, Alonso’s willingness to start Mbappe was not only about records. It was also about security. 

Each time the forward has been absent this season, the team’s attacking output has dropped, which is a reality that is difficult to ignore.