Kylian Mbappé delivered a milestone moment in Real Madrid’s La Liga win over Sevilla, drawing level with one of the club’s most iconic modern-day standards: Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar-year scoring record for Los Blancos.
The French forward struck late to reach 59 goals in the calendar year, matching the total previously set by Ronaldo during his legendary spell in the Spanish capital. And just as significant as the number was what came after it—Mbappé made it clear the moment belonged to someone else too.
A record that looked like it might slip away
For large parts of the match, it seemed Mbappé would have to wait for another night. Sevilla stayed competitive, defending with purpose and making it difficult for Madrid to open the game up the way they usually do.
But with the clock winding down and the pressure rising, Madrid were handed an opening. Four minutes from time, Mbappé stepped up and converted a late penalty, sealing the points and writing his name alongside Ronaldo’s in the club’s calendar-year scoring history.
“My celebration is for him”
Mbappé didn’t hide what the moment meant.
After finding the net, he paid a heartfelt tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, explaining that the celebration was dedicated to the Portuguese legend: “My celebration is for him.”
It was a simple message, but it carried weight—especially at a club where Ronaldo’s records are treated like untouchable benchmarks. Matching a number associated with CR7 isn’t just a stat; it’s a statement about consistency, mentality, and the kind of ruthless finishing that defines Real Madrid’s greatest goal-scorers.
What it means for Real Madrid
The result keeps Madrid firmly in the title conversation, with the win cementing their second-place position in La Liga. However, there’s still a clear reminder of the task ahead: Madrid have played one match more than leaders Barcelona, meaning the gap at the top may not tell the full story yet.
Still, the bigger takeaway is momentum—Madrid are collecting points, and Mbappé is producing decisive moments. When the season tightens up, those late goals and pressure penalties often end up defining the final table.
Mbappé’s growing Madrid story
Records at Real Madrid are never just personal achievements—they become part of the club’s identity. By matching Ronaldo’s calendar-year total, Mbappé has added another chapter to what is quickly becoming a headline-heavy Madrid journey.
The tribute also showed something fans love to see: respect for the players who built the standards before him. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a symbol of elite performance in Madrid, and Mbappé’s gesture connected two eras in one moment—past greatness acknowledged, present greatness in motion.
As the La Liga race continues, Madrid will need more nights like this: gritty wins, big-game composure, and a superstar who can decide matches when time is running out.