Kylian Mbappe was finally unveiled as the latest Real Madrid Galactico this week in a grand presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French captain will now take a well-deserved break and return in action for the UEFA Super Cup in August against Atalanta. Mbappe’s arrival has excited the Madrid faithful who are eager to witness him continue his goal-scoring prowess in Spain. That said, Mbappe himself will be wary of the comparisons made to his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Paris Saint-Germain player has always maintained his admiration for the Portuguese legend. Mbappe’s career ambitions have drawn a big influence from Ronaldo and his move to Real Madrid is evidence of the fact. Unsurprisingly, the soccer world expects the 25-year-old to deliver an impact like his hero but is also realistic enough with their predictions.
Real Madrid fans are modest with their expectations for Kylian Mbappe
Madridistas will forever be grateful for the performances given by Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s nine-year stint at Real Madrid made him one of the greatest names in the history of the biggest-ever club. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 451 goals along with providing 131 assists in just 438 appearances for Los Blancos. “If he scores half of CR7 numbers it would still be good. The bar Ronaldo set was too high”, sums up how Real Madrid fans perceive Mbappe’s future.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid was one of the most crucial ones for the record European champions. The Portuguese captain instilled a winning mentality that helped him and his teammates lift 16 trophies including four Champions League titles. Ronaldo never scored less than 33 goals in a season for Madrid which outlines the tremendous benchmark set for his heir, Kylian Mbappe to achieve.
Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid highly different from Cristiano Ronaldo
In the summer of 2009, Real Madrid was far from their usual practice of competing with the best in Europe. The Spanish giants had been eliminated from the Champions League in the round of 16 stages for the last five seasons and were dreading the tenth European Cup. Ronaldo chose to steer the Madrid ship at a challenging time and became beloved by the fans. Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer began the transition of Real Madrid into the new era.
Kylian Mbappe, on the other hand, is arriving at a time when Madrid is already the reigning Spanish and European Champions. His signing is viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity for a club that already boasts two of the best players in the world, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. Mbappe in his first press conference with Real Madrid admitted that he will have to prove himself and match the level and intent to make his childhood dream a success.