Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe celebrated a landmark 27th birthday by etching his name into the club’s history books. During a decisive 2-0 victory over Sevilla on December 20, 2025, the French forward scored a late penalty. This goal brought his total to 59 club goals for the calendar year. In doing so, he equaled the iconic Real Madrid record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013. Only Lionel Messi has scored more for a single European club in one year.
Mbappe chose to mark the historic moment with a special gesture. After the ball hit the net, he performed Ronaldo’s famous “Siu” celebration. He also blew a kiss toward the cameras to honor his childhood hero. Following the match, Mbappe spoke warmly about his relationship with the Portuguese legend. He described Ronaldo as his idol and the greatest player in the history of the club.
The young star revealed that Ronaldo played a key role in his transition to life in Spain. The two athletes have maintained a close friendship and speak regularly. Mbappe wanted to use his birthday match to give a public “wink” to his mentor. He noted that while he has his own style, this specific tribute felt right. He credited Ronaldo’s guidance for helping him find his footing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The victory was vital for Real Madrid’s current campaign under manager Xabi Alonso. The team now sits just one point behind rivals Barcelona in the La Liga standings. Mbappe currently leads the league with 18 goals this season. He also holds a share of the lead in the Champions League scoring charts. His 59 goals in 2025 came across 59 appearances for the Spanish giants.
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Fans at the Bernabeu witnessed a tale of two different fortunes during the match. While Mbappe basked in the record-breaking glow, teammate Vinicius Junior faced some frustration from the crowd. However, the focus remained largely on the Frenchman’s incredible statistical rise. Reaching the 59-goal mark in a single year is a feat few thought possible. It took over a decade for any player to match the standard set by Ronaldo.
As the year closes, Mbappe posted a nostalgic message on social media. He shared a photo of himself as a child meeting Ronaldo years ago. The caption encouraged followers to “believe in your dreams.” Ronaldo responded to the post with supportive emojis, confirming their strong bond. Mbappe now looks forward to 2026 as the clear centerpiece of Madrid’s future.
