There are moments in football that transcend the final score, when a player not only wins a match but also makes history. On his 27th birthday, Kylian Mbappé did just that. In front of a roaring Santiago Bernabéu crowd, he slotted home a late penalty that didn’t just seal a 2-0 victory over Sevilla, it wrote his name alongside a Real Madrid legend.
With 59 goals in a single calendar year, Mbappé has now equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-standing record, set back in 2013. It’s a milestone that reflects not just his extraordinary skill but also his growing legacy in the iconic white shirt of Real Madrid.
What Is the Record Mbappé Just Equalled?
Cristiano Ronaldo set the benchmark for Real Madrid goals in a single calendar year in 2013, netting an incredible 59 goals across all competitions. At the time, it was viewed as an unbreakable feat, the sort of record reserved only for once-in-a-generation talents.
Fast forward to 2025, and Mbappé has matched that tally, scoring 59 goals in as many matches. His consistency, sharpness in front of goal, and ability to rise in key moments have made him a cornerstone of Madrid’s attack under Xabi Alonso.
This moment becomes even more special when considering that it came on Mbappé’s birthday, punctuated by the trademark Ronaldo celebration, a nod to the man whose footsteps he’s now following at the Bernabéu.
How Did Mbappé Reach 59 Goals in 2025?
Mbappé’s road to 59 goals wasn’t built on hat-tricks alone, but through consistency across all competitions, LaLiga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa.
His ability to deliver in high-pressure games, combined with his understanding with teammates like Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, has made Real Madrid’s attack nearly unstoppable.
From clinical counters to deft touches in the box, Mbappé has shown versatility in scoring, headers, penalties, solo runs, and team efforts. Each goal built up to this historic moment, and none were more important than the one against Sevilla.
What Happened in Real Madrid’s Match Against Sevilla?
Real Madrid entered their final match of 2025 against Sevilla, aiming to end the year on a high after reclaiming momentum with a string of wins. Despite their second-place position in La Liga, just one point behind Barcelona, the match proved far from comfortable.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the first half, nodding in from a Rodrygo free-kick, calming the home crowd. However, Sevilla were resilient, with Isaac Romero and Lucien Agoumé creating early chances that could’ve flipped the tie.
Madrid’s defence looked shaky, and Thibaut Courtois had to be at his best, denying Alexis Sánchez and Romero in key moments. Even after Marcao’s red card, Sevilla kept pushing.
Then came the moment of destiny, in the 86th minute, Rodrygo was fouled in the box. Mbappé, who had missed earlier chances and hit the crossbar, stepped up to the spot. Calmly, he slotted it home, his 59th goal in 2025. As he pulled out Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, the Bernabéu erupted.
Minutes later, he nearly had another penalty, but a VAR review overturned the decision, leaving him to share the record rather than surpass it.
How Does Mbappé’s Playing Style Compare to Ronaldo’s?
While both players are elite finishers, their styles differ significantly.
- Ronaldo in his Madrid prime was a power-driven winger-turned-striker, known for long-range efforts, headers, and sheer athleticism.
- Mbappé, by contrast, combines blistering pace with elegant movement, finesse, and clever positioning. He’s more subtle, more calculated, yet no less dangerous.
Both are leaders, thrive under pressure, and boast an eye for goal. However, where Ronaldo often took on a more individualistic role, Mbappé tends to build off team play, thriving in combination with players like Bellingham and Rodrygo.
Was the Sevilla Match a True Test for Real Madrid?
Absolutely. Despite being a man up for the final 22 minutes, Real Madrid had to dig deep.
Sevilla showed intent and ambition, exploiting gaps in the defence. Romero’s chipped effort, Courtois’ key saves, and close-range scrambles added drama to a tense game.
For a team hoping to lift the La Liga title, matches like this test resolve and maturity, and Mbappé’s goal couldn’t have come at a better time.
What Does This Mean for Mbappé’s Legacy at Real Madrid?
In just one calendar year, Mbappé has etched his name into club history. Matching Ronaldo’s record not only highlights his individual brilliance but also signals a passing of the torch at Real Madrid.
While comparisons are inevitable, Mbappé is carving a legacy of his own, becoming the face of the next era. From lifting the Champions League to breaking personal records, he’s on course to become a true Galáctico legend.
Can Mbappé Surpass Ronaldo’s Records in the Future?
At 27, Mbappé is arguably in his prime, and with Madrid’s system built around him, surpassing Ronaldo’s overall records, including total goals or goals in a single season, is well within reach.
His scoring rate, injury record, and tactical flexibility suggest that this shared record may be just the first of many milestones he’s about to break at the club.
What’s Next for Real Madrid After the Historic Night?
With 42 points, Real Madrid trail Barcelona by just one point. Their upcoming matches will be crucial, especially with Barca facing Villarreal, and Madrid eyeing the top spot once again.
The confidence from three consecutive wins, combined with Mbappé’s red-hot form, gives the team momentum heading into the new year.
How Did Fans and the Football World React?
Social media was buzzing within minutes of Mbappé’s goal. From pundits calling it a “changing of the guard” to fans praising his composure under pressure, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive.
Even former players applauded the feat, with calls for Mbappé to lead Madrid into a new golden age. While Ronaldo himself has not publicly commented yet, one can imagine he’d appreciate the nod through the celebration.
Mbappé vs Ronaldo: Record Comparison
| Category | Cristiano Ronaldo (2013) | Kylian Mbappé (2025) |
| Goals in Calendar Year | 59 | 59 |
| Matches Played | 60 | 59 |
| Goals Per Match | 0.98 | 1.00 |
| Hat-Tricks | 9 | 7 |
| Age During Record | 28 | 27 |
| Penalty Goals | 12 | 11 |
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappé’s 59th goal of 2025 didn’t just win a match, it carved his name into Real Madrid history. Matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary record is a milestone that highlights his world-class talent and importance to the team.
As he continues to shine in the famous white shirt, fans and pundits alike are beginning to wonder, not if, but when Mbappé will surpass the legends and set new standards at the Bernabéu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals did Mbappé score in 2025 for Real Madrid?
Kylian Mbappé scored 59 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid in 2025, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record from 2013.
What competitions did Mbappé score in during 2025?
Mbappé found the net in La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España across the calendar year.
How many matches did Mbappé play to reach 59 goals?
He played 59 matches, averaging a goal per game across all competitions.
Who scored the opening goal in Real Madrid’s win over Sevilla?
Jude Bellingham scored the opener with a header from a Rodrygo free-kick.
What was significant about the Sevilla match?
Mbappé’s late penalty not only secured the win but also helped him equal Ronaldo’s 59-goal record on his birthday.
What position is Real Madrid currently in La Liga 2025?
They are currently second with 42 points, just one point behind Barcelona.
What’s the next big milestone for Mbappé at Real Madrid?
If he maintains his form, Mbappé could surpass Ronaldo’s single-season record of 61 goals or climb the club’s all-time top scorers list.
