Kylian Mbappe surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo to eye up all-time Real Madrid record | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe's brace against Celta Vigo on Sunday afternoon took his personal tally to 35 goals for the season, surpassing the 33 scored by Cristiano Ronaldo during his debut Real Madrid campaign.

Since Real Madrid were founded by a pair of Catalan brothers back in 1902, only one player has enjoyed a more prolific debut campaign than Mbappe. That honour belongs to Ivan Zamarano, who rattled in 37 goals during the 1992/93 season after moving to Madrid from Sevilla.

While that goal-laden term boasts its place in Madrid's history books, it is not a year Zamarano would look back on fondly. The campaign began with a Clasico defeat to Barcelona on the Chilean's debut and ended with a red card against Tenerife. Zamarano gave in to the frustration gripping the entire club as Madrid's loss in the Canary Islands on the final day of the season handed Barcelona the La Liga title.

As he was suspended for the Copa del Rey final - which Madrid won - Zamarano flew down to Ecuador just in time to get beaten by Peru as Chile limped out in the group stages of the Copa America.

How Kylian Mbappe's debut Real Madrid season compares to Cristiano Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappe's France knocked Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal out of Euro 2024 / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

Stats via Transfermarkt. Correct as of 5 May 2025.

Mbappe's maiden campaign in Spain hasn't been quite so tumultuous, although there have been some notable low points. The French forward has spoken about hitting "rock bottom" after missing a penalty against Athletic Club at the end of the calendar year.

Madrid crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal and have already lost two finals to Barcelona, who they trail in La Liga. Mbappe's brilliantly taken brace against Celta, the first a blistering drive into the top corner before applying a cool finish with his weaker left foot, ensured that Madrid remain just four points adrift of their fierce rivals ahead of this weekend's Clasico.

Barcelona have gotten the better of Madrid on three separate occasions this term in a run which began with a vengeful 4-0 thrashing at the Santiago Bernabeu last October. It was a particularly ruinous night for Mbappe, who was widely ridiculed after getting caught offside eight times across 90 grim minutes.

However, Carlo Ancelotti was confident that his reinvigorated talisman can shine in Catalonia. "A great match," the Italian beamed after Sunday's Celta win. "At that level, he's going to be decisive in Barcelona." He could also be a record-breaker before the campaign is over.