Immune from criticism? Kylian Mbappe explains why he occupies same category as Cristiano Ronaldo & Alfredo Di Stefano at Real Madrid

Following several years of intense speculation regarding a move to Spain, Mbappe finally headed down that path in 2024 when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and becoming a free agent.

He was initially handed the No.9 jersey in Madrid - which Ronaldo also took on following his switch from Manchester United in 2009 - but is now filling No.10. Mbappe has been asked to lead the line as a central striker, leaving a previously favoured berth on the left wing behind.

His numbers have justified that decision, with the target being found on 82 occasions through 94 appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old has been ticking over at more than a goal-a-game this season.

Mbappe has savoured UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup success with Real, but major honours - such as the Liga title and Champions League crown - have eluded him. He cannot be accused of underdelivering for the good of the collective cause.

Madrid supporters have taken the Frenchman to their hearts - as they once did with iconic frontmen Ronaldo and Di Stefano - but Mbappe is aware that he must continue to deliver in order to avoid becoming the subject of uncomfortable probing.

Speaking to Telefoot, he said: “Real Madrid is like a religion for people in Spain; they’re very passionate, and there’s a lot of talk and speculation, sometimes justified, sometimes not.

“You have to know how to deal with criticism because everyone at Real Madrid has been criticised - Ronaldo, Di Stefano, so I don’t see why I should be an exception. You simply have to stay calm, concentrate on what you have to do, and tell yourself how you can improve your performance on the pitch.”

Ronaldo - who is Real’s all-time leading scorer - has previously said when offering advice to Mbappe on how to deal with the demands of life in Madrid: “I love him a lot, and not just because of the story he had when he was young, where he loved Cristiano Ronaldo a lot and he was his idol. But I really see him as a great player and he is going to bring a lot of joy to Real Madrid.

“If I were at Real Madrid I would teach him to play as a nine. Because I wasn't a striker. I got used to playing as a striker. I used to play on the wing and people forget. Kylian shouldn't be a typical striker. If I were him, I would play more or less like Cristiano Ronaldo plays as a striker.”

Mbappe appears to have mastered that role, with 38 goals and six assists being recorded this season. He has returned to action with club and country following a recent injury and will be hoping to figure prominently as Real ready themselves for an upcoming Champions League quarter-final showdown with Harry Kane and Bayern Munich.