'He can reach Cristiano's level' - Carlo Ancelotti backs newest 'Galactico' Kylian Mbappe to emulate Ronaldo's success at Real Madrid

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo is the Blancos’ all-time leading scorer, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner registering 451 goals for the club through 438 appearances. He bid farewell to the Spanish capital in 2018 and is still going strong at 40 years of age with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Real moved to bring in another prolific presence when acquiring Mbappe as a free agent in 2024. He had previously netted 256 goals in 308 outings for Paris Saint-Germain and has reached 28 in his debut campaign for Madrid after bagging a hat-trick in their Champions League play-off demolition of Manchester City.

Ancelotti sees no reason why Mbappe cannot emulate CR7, telling reporters of his fearsome French forward: “He has the quality to reach his [Ronaldo’s] numbers, but he has to work, because Cristiano set the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano's level.

“Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from him and it has finally arrived. But Mbappe is not the only one, we have many players who make a difference. And they make a difference with their collective work above their individual quality which is remarkable.”

Mbappe has taken the No.9 jersey at Santiago Bernabeu and become an on-field leader for Real. He is, however, eager to point out that collective success will always mean more to him than individual honours – as he once again tops the Champions League scoring charts in 2024-25.

The France international said of his bid to win a first European title: “I was the Champions League's top scorer last year, but did I win it? No. I don't care about being the leading scorer, in my career, I have scored many goals. If with these goals we win titles I will sign with my blood. If I can score 50, all the better, but all I want is to win titles.”

Mbappe has previously sought to distance himself from any comparisons to Ronaldo, with the 26-year-old eager to be recognised for his own achievements. He has fired Real into the last 16 of the Champions League, with two trophies already won this season, while Ancelotti’s side also sit joint-top of the Liga standings with Clasico rivals Barcelona.