Real Madrid: Mbappé brings Ronaldo out of silence

After Mbappé’s tribute, Ronaldo breaks his silence

Europe 21 December 2025 at 04:34

Kylian Mbappé has struck again. In the 23rd minute, he calmly converted a penalty won by Vinícius, sealing Real Madrid’s victory over Sevilla (2-0) and, more importantly, netting his 59th goal of 2025. With this clinical finish, the French striker matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record, set in 2013 with Los Blancos. A milestone number, a man rewriting the rules.

At the final whistle, Mbappé didn’t hide his emotion:

“Cristiano has always been wonderful to me, he helped me settle in Madrid, and it’s amazing to contribute to Real’s wins.”

Simple words, almost whispered, but they ring out like an admission: the idol has become his shadow. On Instagram, Mbappé followed up with a celebratory photo in classic CR7 style, captioned “Believe in your dreams. Respect.” Ronaldo responded with a digital high-five and a flame—symbols of a smooth passing of the torch.

🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo has replied to Kylian Mbappé on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/cX04Mwngmk
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 21, 2025

It was also his birthday, this December 20. Twenty-six candles, 59 goals, and a record to top it off: the perfect gift for someone who, since childhood, slept with a poster of the Portuguese star above his bed. Madrid dreamed of a successor—they’ve found him.