Ancelotti: Mbappe Poised to Become a Real Madrid Icon Like Ronaldo

Key Takeaways

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals against Leganes.
He matched Cristiano Ronaldo's first-season goal tally of 33.
Mbappe has played 44 games since joining Real Madrid.
Ancelotti hopes Mbappe can replicate Ronaldo's success.
Real Madrid is focused on the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Madrid, March 31 (NationPress) Following Kylian Mbappe’s outstanding performance that propelled Real Madrid to a crucial 3-2 victory over Leganes on Sunday (IST), coach Carlo Ancelotti asserts that the French star has the capability to attain legendary status akin to the club’s all-time leading scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mbappe's two goals against Leganes elevated his total to 33 for Real Madrid across all competitions this season, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo's tally during his inaugural season in Spanish football in 2009/10. The only player to surpass this debut goal count for the club is Ivan Zamorano, who scored 37 goals in the 1992/93 season.

It’s crucial to highlight that when Ronaldo debuted, the European football schedule was not as demanding as it is today. The Portuguese superstar reached the 33-goal mark, while also assisting 10 times, in just 35 matches, whereas Mbappe has participated in 44 games since joining Los Blancos, with the season’s final stretch still ahead.

"It’s challenging to draw comparisons between players from different eras. I hope he can replicate what Cristiano Ronaldo accomplished at Real Madrid. He possesses the talent to do so, and that means he’s going to be a Real Madrid legend like Cristiano Ronaldo," Ancelotti stated during a press conference.

Madrid now turns its attention to the upcoming match against Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Having secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the Reale Arena thanks to a solitary goal from young talent Endrick, Ancelotti has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first coach to win Spain’s prestigious domestic cup trophy three times, a prospect that fuels his motivation.

"That motivates me, but being on the verge of a final inspires me, the players, and the club. Reaching a final in any competition is an achievement. We’re very close, and the support from our fans and our slight advantage from the first leg further motivates us," he added.