Mbappé matches Ronaldo and leads LaLiga in key stat

It’s what was expected of him – and though it took slightly longer than hoped, Kylian Mbappé is now fully taking ownership of Real Madrid. Specifically, through his goals. The two he scored against Leganés – one from the penalty spot, the other a majestic indirect free kick – showcased the twin weapons he brings to this team: goals that open the scoring and goals that break deadlocks. The hardest ones. The ones that matter most. Exactly why he was signed.

Of Madrid’s 63 points this season, 18 have come directly from Mbappé’s goals – more than any other player in La Liga. He’s keeping Madrid very much in the hunt. And it didn’t start this weekend against a spirited Leganés side – he also struck first in the 2-1 win over Rayo and netted twice in the 2-1 victory at La Cerámica. In that match, just like against Leganés, his goals were decisive. After Villarreal’s opener from Foyth, Mbappé turned the game on his own.

His 33 goals across all competitions now match the totals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy in their debut seasons with Madrid. It’s only a matter of time – and likely not much – before he breaks that mark. The club’s single-season debut record is still shared by Fernando Sañudo (1934–35) and Iván Zamorano (1992–93), with 37 goals.

And that’s not the only milestone in Mbappé’s sights. In the LaLiga scoring race, he’s breathing down Lewandowski’s neck – the Pole leads 23 to 22. In terms of calendar-year goals, the French forward is also second in 2025, with 18 – just four behind his international teammate Ousmane Dembélé.

“That’s what we want from him”

Everyone at Madrid is applauding – starting with Carlo Ancelotti. “He’s much more involved, present in the play,” said the Italian coach of his No 9’s growing influence. “Kylian is making the difference – this is what we want from him.”

Gone is the Mbappé who once hesitated on penalties and fired straight at the keeper. His 33 goals now represent 29% of all Real Madrid goals this season – and that share is still rising. Soon, nearly a third of the team’s goals will bear his signature.

Still, as the player himself said after the win over Leganés, this personal scoring surge has a clear purpose. “It’s good to score a lot of goals, but like I always say, we have to win titles here.” That’s exactly what Madrid are aiming for – riding on the back of Kylian Mbappé.

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