Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his confidence on Monday that Kylian Mbappe has what it takes to become a club legend, much like Cristiano Ronaldo, the team’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Speaking at a press conference, Ancelotti emphasized Mbappe’s potential to replicate Ronaldo’s success at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I hope Mbappe can achieve what Ronaldo did at Real Madrid, and I believe he is capable of doing it. That would make him a legend at this club, just as Cristiano Ronaldo is,” Ancelotti stated.
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Ronaldo, who moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, became the club’s top scorer with 450 goals before departing in 2018. In his debut season, he netted 33 goals in 35 appearances, setting a high standard for future forwards.
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, matched Ronaldo’s milestone by scoring 33 goals in his first season with the club, a feat he acknowledged with pride.
Following his two-goal performance against Leganes in La Liga on Saturday, the 26-year-old expressed his appreciation for equaling Ronaldo’s record, calling it a “very special” achievement.
“We all know what he represents for Real Madrid. We talk often, and he gives me a lot of advice,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV, highlighting his admiration for the Portuguese star.
With Madrid competing on multiple fronts this season, Mbappe’s goal tally is likely to increase further.
The team will take on Real Sociedad on Tuesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, holding a 1-0 advantage from the first match in San Sebastian.
Ancelotti’s squad is on the verge of making history, as he aims to become the first coach to win the Copa del Rey three times with Real Madrid.
Looking ahead to the decisive match, Ancelotti remarked, “Being close to a final is a huge motivation—for me, for the players, and for the club. Reaching a final in any competition is an achievement, and with a small advantage plus the support of our fans, we are even more determined.”
