Madrid, Spain – In a recent interview, Real Madrid's star forward, Kylian Mbappé, has once again voiced his profound admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the Portuguese icon as his ultimate role model and a constant source of inspiration. Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, spoke of Ronaldo's lasting impact on both his career and the entire footballing world.
"Cristiano Ronaldo has always been my role model; he's an example for me," Mbappé stated, emphasizing Ronaldo's influence on his own aspirations. He also feels fortunate to be able to speak with Ronaldo, who offers him guidance. "I'm lucky to talk to him, he gives me advice, he helps me," Mbappé added.
Mbappé didn't hold back in expressing the weight of Ronaldo's legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu. "Cristiano is number one. The reference of Real Madrid. People still dream and talk of Cristiano now," he declared. This acknowledgment highlights the indelible mark Ronaldo left during his tenure with Los Blancos from 2009 to 2018, a period marked by numerous titles, including four Champions League crowns, and a plethora of individual awards.
Mbappé recognizes the history Ronaldo made at Real Madrid and also discussed facing his idol. Ahead of France's match against Portugal in the European Championship quarter-finals, Mbappé said that it's an honor to play against him.
While acknowledging Ronaldo's monumental achievements, Mbappé is also determined to carve his own unique path at Real Madrid. "I'm lucky to have the opportunity to live my dream playing for Real Madrid. But I'm not going there to write the rest of Cristiano's history," Mbappé clarified. "What he has done there is unique. I also hope to do something unique at Madrid, but it will be completely different," he concluded.
Mbappé has frequently mentioned that Ronaldo has been his biggest inspiration. While he also had other idols like Lionel Messi and Neymar, who were his teammates at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Ronaldo stood out.
Mbappé and Ronaldo have faced each other five times, with Mbappé securing victory only once. The initial two encounters occurred when Mbappé played for PSG and Ronaldo represented Real Madrid. The subsequent three matches were between France and Portugal, with Mbappé remaining undefeated in those contests.
Mbappé's words underscore the ongoing influence of Cristiano Ronaldo, not just as a legendary figure in football, but also as a personal inspiration for the newest generation of stars. As Mbappé embarks on his own Real Madrid journey, he carries with him the lessons and inspiration gleaned from his idol, aiming to create his own legacy while honoring the past.
