Real Madrid’s star forward scored his 59th goal of the year, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record.
Published December 21, 2025
Kylian Mbappé equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals for Real Madrid in a season with a late penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 home win over Sevilla, and the French forward celebrated his 27th birthday in style.
Mbappe missed several chances before getting his chance four minutes before the end of Saturday’s game, but it was arguably his 59th goal of 2025 in all competitions, equaling Ronaldo’s 2013 record.
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“To be able to do what Cristiano did today in his first year because of his record is unbelievable,” Mbappe told RMTV.
“My idol, the best player in the history of Real Madrid and a reference for world football. It’s an honor for me.”
Jude Bellingham put Real ahead in the first half and Sevilla were down to 10 men with 22 minutes remaining after Marcao received a second booking, but the home side had goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to thank for keeping them in the lead.
Real are second in the La Liga table with 42 points, one ahead of Barcelona, who play away to third-placed Villarreal on Sunday, while Sevilla are ninth with 20 points.
Xabi Alonso’s team were hoping to end the year on a high after losing their top spot in November with three consecutive draws and were looking to 2025 with three straight wins in all competitions, but it was far from a simple success.
Sevilla caused a number of problems from the start, with Isaac Romero chipping a shot wide of goal when he was sent over goal, prompting whistles from the home crowd as Real were under pressure.
As the hosts struggled to find clear-cut chances, Mbappé sent a snap shot wide and Sevilla’s Lucien Agume added another blow for the visitors to put Real ahead seven minutes before half-time.
Rodrygo took a free-kick into the box and Bellingham rose to the occasion and headed it into the far corner, easing Real’s nerves in the final moments of the first half.
Mbappe had to wait
Mbappe fired a shot straight at the keeper and dragged another shot wide, but at the other end Courtois twice denied Alexis Sanchez and Romero, allowing Real to break through at the back all too easily.
Mbappé hit the crossbar with a header from a corner kick, and after Marcao was sent off, Rodrygo had a beautiful shot on the turn-off, but Sevilla keeper Odyseas Vlahodimos tipped his shot over the bar.
Real were looking for a win with Mbappé still struggling to find the back of the net, when Juanl Sánchez fouled Rodrygo in the box and the birthday boy headed for goal before drawing a celebration from Ronaldo.
“I wanted to give him a little nod because he has always been affectionate towards me,” Mbappe added.
“Usually I celebrate on my own, but I wanted to share it with him. Like I said, he’s been my idol since I was a kid. We have a very good relationship. He’s a friend now.”
Mbappe thought he had a golden chance to score again when the referee pointed to the spot two minutes later, but the referee changed his mind after a VAR check and the Frenchman had to settle for a share of the score.
