Can Kylian Mbappe become Real Madrid royalty? Carlo Ancelotti backs attacker to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy at Santiago Bernabeu after French superstar matched CR7 goal record

The French forward, who finally secured his dream move to Madrid last summer, has been a standout performer in his debut La Liga campaign, netting 22 goals in 27 league matches. Beyond his domestic exploits, Mbappe has also delivered in the Champions League, finding the back of the net seven times and playing a key role in Real Madrid’s journey to the quarter-finals.

Mbappe further strengthened his credentials on Saturday when he scored a brace against Leganes, including a dramatic winner that sealed a 3-2 comeback victory. With his two goals there, he has now matched Ronaldo’s tally of 33 goals in his debut season for Madrid, a feat that underscores his adaptation to Spanish football after a difficult first couple of months.

Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti said: "It's difficult but I wish Mbappe to match Ronaldo at Real Madrid for a long time, of course. He has the quality to make it, I hope he becomes a legend of this club. He can do it. Cristiano's impact here was more than goals."

Mbappe now stands just four goals away from surpassing Ivan Zamorano’s record for the most goals in a debut season at Real Madrid. The Chilean striker scored 37 times during the 1992-93 campaign, a milestone Mbappe could overtake during the run-in.

Mbappe will be back in action in Real's upcoming Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Real Sociedad on Tuesday. Ancelotti’s side hold a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, and the forward will be eager to add to his tally and edge closer to rewriting Madrid history.