Ancelotti Believes Mbappé Can Become a Real Madrid ‘Legend’ Similar to His Idol Ronaldo

On Monday, Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti stated that superstar forward Kylian Mbappe has the potential to attain legendary status at the club, similar to their all-time leading goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Growing up, Mbappe looked up to Ronaldo as a role model, and after his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Madrid last summer, he matched the Portuguese forward’s impressive record of 33 goals during his inaugural season at the Bernabeu.

“What I hope for Mbappe is that he can achieve what Ronaldo accomplished at Real Madrid – and I genuinely believe he is capable of doing it,” Ancelotti shared in a press conference.

“That would mean he becomes a legend at Real Madrid, just like Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Ronaldo made his move to Real from Manchester United in 2009 and left the club in 2018 as their all-time top scorer with 450 goals to his name.

Now 40 and playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he netted 33 goals in his first season with Real Madrid over 35 appearances.

Mbappe, at the age of 26, recently scored two goals against Leganes in La Liga on Saturday, expressing how “very special” it was to equal Ronaldo’s record.

“We understand his significance for Real Madrid and for me personally; we communicate, and he offers me valuable advice,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.

With the team still in contention for three titles this season, Mbappe has ample opportunity to further enhance his scoring record.

Ancelotti’s squad will face Real Sociedad on Tuesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, leading 1-0 from the initial match held in San Sebastian.

If Madrid wins the cup, Ancelotti will become the first coach in the club’s history to achieve this feat three times.

“Being on the brink of a final is incredibly motivating, not just for me but for the players and the club as well,” Ancelotti remarked.

“Reaching a final in any competition is a significant achievement, so being close to it, having a slight advantage, and knowing we’ll be backed by our supporters gives us even more motivation.”