Privilege to equal hero Ronaldo's Real Madrid yearly goal milestone: Mbappe

Privilege to equal hero Ronaldo's Real Madrid yearly goal milestone: Mbappe
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French sensation Kylian Mbappe described it as a privilege to level with his hero Cristiano Ronaldo's mark of 59 Real Madrid goals in a calendar year on Saturday.

On turning 27, Mbappe slotted away an 86th-minute spot-kick versus Sevilla in La Liga, equalling the 2013 club benchmark by Ronaldo and clinching a 2-0 victory for his team at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Today feels special as it is my birthday. I have always dreamed of featuring in a match on this day, especially at Real Madrid, the team I have always idolised," Mbappe shared with Real Madrid TV.

"Our aim was to end the year on a high note, and this achievement is remarkable.

"Matching what Cristiano accomplished, my inspiration and the greatest to ever play for Real Madrid as well as a global legend, fills me with pride."

Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have faced challenges this term, yet Mbappe stands out as their star performer, with 29 goals from 24 outings in all competitions.

The forward claimed the European Golden Shoe and La Liga's leading scorer honours last season, and he tops the Spanish charts once more this year with 18 goals.

Mbappe has revealed that as a boy, he adorned his walls with images of the Portuguese legend Ronaldo, and joining Madrid was a lifelong ambition when he transferred from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024.

After netting against Sevilla, the attacker replicated Ronaldo's famous leaping "Siu" move.

"It means a lot to me. I aimed to nod to him, as he has been supportive throughout, offering advice on settling into Madrid and all it entails," Mbappe added.

"I am thrilled to contribute goals for Real Madrid and secure victories... that gesture was dedicated to him.

"I usually have my signature style, but today I chose to honour his. He was my childhood hero, we share a strong bond, and he is a friend these days."

The Portugal star Ronaldo amassed 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid, establishing himself as their highest scorer ever, while Mbappe has reached 73 in 83 matches.