Carlo Ancelotti: “Kylian Mbappe Can Match Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid”

Mbappe’s Hat-Trick Against Man City Sparks Ronaldo Comparisons

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has backed Kylian Mbappe to reach the legendary status of Cristiano Ronaldo, following the French superstar’s hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Mbappe, who had a slow start to life in Madrid, has been in unstoppable form in 2025. His stunning performance against City was a statement of intent, showing the world what he is truly capable of at the club.

Ancelotti: “Mbappe Has the Quality to Match Ronaldo”

When asked about comparisons between Mbappe and Ronaldo, Ancelotti admitted that the Frenchman has the potential to match CR7 but emphasized the difficulty of doing so.

“Mbappe has a lot of quality and can match Cristiano, yes, but Cristiano set the bar very high,” Ancelotti stated.
“Mbappe is just starting out at Madrid. He’s enthusiastic. But reaching Cristiano’s level won’t be easy—he has to work hard.”

Ancelotti also highlighted the importance of the team, stating that Madrid’s success is not just about Mbappe but a collective effort from the entire squad.

How Mbappe’s Start Compares to Ronaldo’s

So far, Mbappe has netted 27 goals in 37 games for Madrid. In comparison, Ronaldo scored 33 in 35 during his debut season (2009/10). With three months left in the season, Mbappe is on track to surpass CR7’s first-season tally.

However, matching Ronaldo’s overall record of 450 goals in 9 years would require Mbappe to average 50 goals per season and remain at Madrid until at least age 34—a challenge few in football history have met.

Can Mbappe Become Madrid’s Next Icon?

The early signs suggest that Mbappe has the talent and ambition to become Madrid’s next all-time great. But can he sustain this level of dominance for a decade as Ronaldo did? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!