MADRID — Kylian Mbappe has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid, as Los Blancos secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Sevilla, keeping pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona. This marks a significant achievement for the French forward, highlighting his extraordinary talent at a pivotal moment in the season.
Real Madrid broke the deadlock seven minutes before half-time when Jude Bellingham soared above Lucien Agoume to direct a header into the top corner from a Rodrygo free-kick. Statistics show that Bellingham has proven to be a key player, contributing significantly to the team’s performance this season.
Sevilla, determined to find an equaliser, created several promising opportunities but faced a setback early in the second half when Marcao was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Bellingham.
On his 27th birthday, Mbappe sealed the win in the 86th minute by converting a penalty after Rodrygo was fouled by Juanlu Sanchez. This goal brought Mbappe’s tally to 59 for the calendar year, equalling the mark set by Ronaldo in 2013, a record that had stood for a decade.
“It’s a special day because it’s my birthday,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV. “I always said it would be a dream to play on my birthday for Real Madrid, the club of my dreams. To do what Cristiano did, my idol and one of the greatest players in the history of football, is an honour.”
Despite his pivotal contribution, the French star faced a frustrating evening, failing to register a shot on target in the first half, and an early second-half effort was saved by Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Sevilla came close to leveling when Isaac Romero broke through on counter-attacks, only to be thwarted by Thibaut Courtois.
Mbappe had a chance to break Ronaldo’s record outright when Real Madrid were awarded a second penalty after Bellingham went down in the area. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review, adding to the drama of the match.
In a nod to the iconic Portuguese forward, Mbappe celebrated with Ronaldo’s famous “Siu” gesture. “It was for him,” Mbappe said. “Cristiano has always been kind to me and helped me understand what it means to play for Real Madrid. He was my idol growing up, and now he is a friend.”
Ronaldo scored his 59 goals for Madrid in 2013 across 50 matches, achieving an impressive seven hat-tricks and 14 assists. In contrast, Mbappe has reached the same milestone in just 59 games. Despite requiring nine more matches to equal Ronaldo’s total, he boasts superior overall numbers, having recorded 586 goal contributions compared to Ronaldo’s 378 by the time he turned 27.
Real Madrid’s victory keeps them firmly in the title race as they move into the season’s final stretch, with Mbappe continuing to carve his legacy alongside the club’s greatest figures. — Agencies