Kylian Mbappe Surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo to Eye Up All-Time Real Madrid Record

Kylian Mbappe Outshines CR7 in Debut Season Goal Haul as He Closes In on Zamarano’s Long-Standing Benchmark

On a cool Sunday afternoon at the Santiago Bernabéu, Kylian Mbappe added yet another footnote to an already glittering debut season in Spain. With two well-taken goals in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, the Frenchman took his tally for the season to 35 goals, eclipsing the 33 goals Cristiano Ronaldo notched in his own first campaign with the Spanish giants back in 2009/10.

For a club that has seen some of the greatest footballers in history wear the famous white shirt, it’s no small feat. Kylian Mbappe’s numbers don’t just represent personal success—they place him among the elite of Madrid’s centuried annals. Now, only one name stands between him and outright history: Iván Zamorano, who scored 37 in his own Real debut season in 1992/93.

Debut Seasons: A Different Kind of Pressure

Joining Real Madrid is not like joining any other football club. For many players, even the biggest stars, that first season can be overwhelming. There’s the expectation, the scrutiny, the weight of the badge. For Kylian Mbappe, arriving amid galactic fanfare and endless headlines, the pressure was intense—and yet he has delivered.

His 35 goals have come across multiple competitions, with the forward already helping Madrid secure both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup. While critics will rightly point to his modest assist tally (just 4, compared to Ronaldo’s 10 in his debut campaign), it’s the goals that make headlines—and Kylian Mbappe is writing his own every week.

How Kylian Mbappe and Ronaldo Stack Up

https://euromatch.news/?s=Kylian+MbappeKylian Mbappe’s France knocked Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal out of Euro 2024 / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages

Looking at the raw numbers, Mbappe has already done what many thought was unthinkable. Ronaldo’s first year at the Bernabéu is remembered as one of the greatest debut campaigns in football history. Yet Mbappe, in more games, has outscored him—and with fewer penalties and free-kick goals.

Here’s how the numbers break down (as of May 5, 2025):

Of course, stats never tell the whole story. Ronaldo’s debut came in a side transitioning under Manuel Pellegrini, whereas Kylian Mbappe has slotted into Carlo Ancelotti’s machine with a few more proven winners around him. Even so, surpassing CR7’s mark is a landmark moment—and it could soon be eclipsed again if Kylian Mbappe bags three more goals before the season ends, toppling Zamorano’s 37-goal record.

The Ghost of Zamorano: A Record with a Bitter Backdrop

Iván Zamorano’s 1992/93 campaign remains one of the most prolific debut seasons in the club’s history, but for the man himself, it was far from joyous. He arrived from Sevilla and started fast, banging in goals in La Liga. But Madrid’s campaign was defined more by disappointment than celebration.

It began with a Clasico defeat, and it ended in Tenerife, with a red card and the title slipping away to Barcelona. His suspension from the Copa del Rey final only compounded the frustration, and a subsequent trip to Ecuador with the Chilean national team saw him crash out of the Copa America with barely a whisper. A record season? Yes. A happy one? Hardly.

Mbappé will be desperate to avoid a similar narrative: personal excellence overshadowed by team disappointment.

Mbappé’s Madrid Rollercoaster: Peaks and Rock Bottoms

Despite the goals and silverware already earned, Kylian Mbappe’s first season in Spain has had its dark moments. He openly admitted to hitting “rock bottom” after missing a decisive penalty against Athletic Club in December, an episode that seemed to momentarily rattle his otherwise unshakeable confidence.

Then there’s the Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal—a tie in which Kylian Mbappe was expected to shine but failed to influence the outcome. Worse still has been the club’s struggles against Barcelona, losing to their rivals in two finals and falling behind them in the league table.

It’s been a year of high highs and low lows—a true test of character, not just talent.

Celta Vigo Win Sets the Stage for Clasico Redemption

With all of that behind him, Kylian Mbappe’s latest outing showed a player rediscovering top gear. His first goal against Celta Vigo was a thunderbolt, rifled into the top corner with his dominant right foot. The second was a calm, composed finish with his left—proof of the balance in his game and the cold-blooded mindset of a top scorer.

His performance wasn’t just about numbers. It was a statement: Kylian Mbappe is ready for Barcelona.

Ancelotti was effusive in his praise post-match. “A great match,” he said. “At that level, he’s going to be decisive in Barcelona.” Madrid remain four points behind their fierce rivals, and the upcoming Clasico may decide whether this season ends with a league title—or more regret.

One Eye on Legacy, One on the Present

The French forward knows that his name is already being etched into Real Madrid folklore. But great players at this club are remembered not just for numbers—they’re remembered for moments, for winning titles, for being decisive when it counts.

Mbappé’s challenge now is twofold: break Zamorano’s record, and ensure his debut season is remembered for trophies, not nearly moments.

There’s every chance he could do it. Three more goals in the remaining league fixtures would take him to 38, an all-time high for a debutant. A match-winning performance against Barcelona would not only dent their title hopes—it would elevate Kylian Mbappe’s legacy and quieten those who still doubt his capacity to be Real Madrid’s true next galáctico.

Final Thoughts: History Within Reach

When Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid, comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo were inevitable. Some said he’d never live up to the pressure. Others said he’d take time to adapt. A few thought the goals might not flow as freely outside Ligue 1.

But here we are. Thirty-five goals deep, two trophies in hand, and one record within striking distance.

Mbappé isn’t just following in Ronaldo’s footsteps—he’s creating a new path entirely. And if the final weeks of this campaign go to script, that path could very well lead to one of the greatest debut seasons in Real Madrid history.