Kylian Mbappé's goal-scoring run for Madrid has led some to speculate whether he will surpass Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kylian Mbappé's goal-scoring run for Madrid has led some to speculate whether he will surpass Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kylian Mbappé’s recent remarkable scoring streak with Real Madrid has led to comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following Mbappé's 23rd goal in 22 Spanish league matches during Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday, coach Álvaro Arbeloa remarked that the French forward could be on track to emulate Ronaldo’s achievements at the Spanish club.

"What Cristiano accomplished appeared otherworldly, something that seemed impossible to replicate, and no one could come close," Arbeloa stated. "Mbappé has a significant journey ahead since Cristiano was here for many years, but he possesses the qualities to follow in his footsteps, and one can never tell if he might even surpass him. However, if anyone is capable of doing so, it is Kylian."

The 41-year-old Ronaldo, who is currently playing in Saudi Arabia, was with Madrid from 2009 to 2018, shattering nearly every club record.

The 27-year-old Mbappé joined the Spanish giants last season and swiftly matched some of the statistics of the Portuguese star. Mbappé netted 59 goals in 2025, equaling Ronaldo’s club-record tally from 2013. At that time, Mbappé referred to Ronaldo as his "idol, the best player in the history of Real Madrid, and a benchmark in global soccer. It’s an honor for me."

Mbappé commenced this year in excellent form, achieving even better statistics, having scored nine goals in seven matches. Last year, he required 11 games to reach nine goals. He has accumulated 43 goals in 35 appearances for both club and country this season.

"It’s a tremendous privilege, as he is currently the best player in the world, demonstrating his prowess day in and day out, match after match," Arbeloa commented regarding Mbappé.

Arbeloa, who assumed the club’s leadership this year, replacing Xabi Alonso, was a former Madrid defender and a teammate of Ronaldo at the club, playing alongside him for six seasons from 2009 to 2016.

Mbappé’s France and Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni also expressed that Mbappé possesses the potential to exceed Ronaldo’s records with Madrid, as reported by Spanish media.

Ronaldo departed from the Spanish club having scored 451 goals in 438 competitive matches.

Mbappé criticizes the referee

Television cameras captured Mbappé expressing his discontent with the officiating team during the match against Valencia, where the French striker seemingly referred to one referee as a "clown." Mbappé appeared to seek clarification regarding an offside decision, but the referee seemed unwilling to engage with the player.

Mbappé’s Madrid has achieved seven consecutive victories in the Spanish league and currently stands one point behind the leader, Barcelona, after 23 matches. They are set to compete against José Mourinho’s Benfica in the initial knockout round of the Champions League.