Kylian Mbappe, the newly signed striker for Real Madrid, has expressed that he does not feel the pressure of being viewed as a successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, the club’s legendary forward. Despite Ronaldo’s incredible record of scoring 450 goals in 438 games during his nine-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe remains focused on his own journey. The 2018 World Cup winner, who has had a mixed start to his Real Madrid career, is determined to make his own mark rather than emulate the achievements of his idol.
Mbappe’s Early Days at Real Madrid
Since joining Real Madrid this summer, Kylian Mbappe has had the challenging task of living up to the high expectations set by the club’s illustrious history and, in particular, the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite his prolific record at PSG, where he scored 256 goals, and his impressive international career with France, the French striker has taken time to find his rhythm in Spain. After making an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in the UEFA Super Cup, Mbappe experienced a goal drought in his first three La Liga appearances, raising questions about his ability to adapt quickly to the demands of Spanish football.
However, Mbappe’s patience and persistence paid off as he netted a crucial brace in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Betis, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His performance reminded fans and critics alike of the raw talent and scoring prowess that have made him one of the most exciting young players in the world. These goals not only eased the pressure on the striker but also gave a glimpse of what he could potentially achieve with Los Blancos. With three goals in five games across all competitions, Mbappe is gradually finding his footing in Madrid and silencing the doubters.
Idolizing Ronaldo, But Creating His Own Path
Kylian Mbappe has always been vocal about his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, often citing the Portuguese legend as his idol. The admiration is mutual, with Mbappe revealing that he and Ronaldo stay in touch, with the latter offering guidance and support. This mentorship has undoubtedly shaped Mbappe’s approach to the game, providing him with insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Despite these close ties, Mbappe has made it clear that he does not see himself as Ronaldo’s successor at Real Madrid. Instead, he focuses on being his own player and achieving success on his terms.
Mbappe’s recent comments highlight his desire to carve out his unique identity at Real Madrid, free from the shadow of his idol. Acknowledging Ronaldo’s status as a footballing legend, Mbappe has expressed his ambition to write his own chapter in the club’s storied history. This mindset reflects his confidence and maturity as a player, emphasizing his focus on contributing to the team’s success while building his legacy. By remaining true to himself and maintaining his individuality, Mbappe aims to leave an indelible mark on the footballing world, much like Ronaldo did, but in his distinct way.
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