The Bernabéu has long been a magnet for global superstars. The club has a long record of footballing greats, including stars like Beckham, Figo, Ronaldo (the Brazilian), and Raul. Among these greats, Cristiano Ronaldo stands out for his performances. The Portuguese had a tremendous impact on Madrid’s sporting and financial triumphs.
Kylian Mbappé, his self-proclaimed protégé, has stepped onto the same hallowed turf. The question looms: can he surpass the legacy Ronaldo carved at the Santiago Bernabéu? This article considers CR7’s achievements. It also analyses Mbappé’s potential to match or exceed his success in the Spanish capital. You can find more sports stories and betting tips on this page.
Ronaldo’s Legacy at Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo’s era at Real Madrid is a defining chapter in the club’s history. He signed up in 2009 for a record fee from Manchester United and got off to the perfect start. Over nine seasons, he not only met but shattered expectations.
At the Bernabéu, Ronaldo redefined excellence. He spearheaded four Champions League titles in five years. CR7 also won two La Liga championships and two Copa del Rey triumphs. Other titles include two UEFA Super Cups and three Club World Cups.
He collected four Ballon d’Ors and three UEFA Best Player in Europe awards. CR7 won two Best FIFA Men’s Player awards and three Pichichi Trophies.
His crowning achievement? Surpassing Raúl González’s 323-goal record to become Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer. By his 2018 departure, Ronaldo had netted 450 goals in 438 games. Based on that record, he averaged over a goal per match.
His exit left a void, but his legacy remains unmatched. His brilliance and trophy haul have cemented his place as one of Madrid’s greatest players.
Mbappe’s Potential and Current Trajectory
Last month, Real Madrid announced the signing of Kylian Mbappé. The French striker, long rumoured to favour a move to Madrid, was officially unveiled in a grand ceremony on July 16th. Madrid President Florentino Perez led proceedings at his unveiling.
Kylian Mbappé arrives at Real Madrid brimming with potential and a trophy-laden past. Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo are natural, but Mbappé’s skillset carves its path. Debuting at 16 for AS Monaco, his blistering pace, dribbling, and eye for goal turned heads.
PSG secured him in 2017, making him the second-most expensive player ever. There, he blossomed into a world-class attacker. During his time in Paris, he won four Ligue 1 titles and consistently topped the scoring charts.
Mbappé’s international career is equally decorated. He was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup win and has smashed numerous records. Mbappe is the second teenager after Pelé to score in a final. At the 2018 World Cup, he was also awarded the Best Young Player award due to his brilliant performances. He also lifted the 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy.
Mbappé’s tactical flexibility is a crucial part of his game. Depending on the game state, the Frenchman can play as a forward or winger. His abilities in and around goal make him a lethal option upfront. He also has the ambition to reach and surpass Christiano Ronald. His arrival injects excitement into a new era for Real Madrid.
Mbappe’s legacy-matching challenge rests on three pillars: sustained excellence, long-term commitment to Real Madrid, and a tactical fit that maximises his potential. The current Madrid squad offers a robust platform for him to achieve all three. With this current crop of players, Madrid won its 15th Champions League title last season. Mbappe’s addition will further strengthen them to compete for more UCL titles.
Conclusion
Mbappe has the talent and potential to become one of the all-time greats. However, surpassing Ronaldo’s achievement in Madrid would be a significant challenge. Time will tell if he can reach or exceed those heights.
