Kylian Mbappe is on the brink of rewriting Real Madrid’s history books. When Los Blancos welcome Celta Vigo to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, the French superstar will be chasing one of the most iconic individual records ever set at the club: Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar-year scoring milestone.
Ronaldo’s remarkable 59-goal haul in 2013 has stood untouched for more than a decade, widely considered unbreakable in the modern era. Yet Mbappe—who has scored 55 goals in 55 matches across all competitions in 2025—now stands only four goals away from matching his predecessor’s extraordinary achievement. With five fixtures remaining in the calendar year, the 26-year-old not only has the chance to equal Ronaldo but may even set a new standard for future generations.
A Scoring Machine in Relentless Form
Mbappe’s sensational year continued in midweek action, when he produced a breathtaking performance in Real Madrid’s 3–0 win over Athletic Club at San Mamés. The forward registered two superb goals and delivered a precise assist, further cementing his status as LaLiga’s most dominant attacker.
So far this league season, Mbappe has amassed 16 goals and four assists in just 15 games—double the tally of his nearest competitor, Barcelona’s veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. His output is not merely impressive; it represents a level of attacking influence rarely seen since Ronaldo’s prime years in Spain.
This explosive form is a stark contrast to the early months of Mbappe’s Real Madrid journey. After arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, the forward initially struggled to adapt to Carlo Ancelotti’s system, often playing in an unfamiliar role and needing time to fully integrate into the squad’s rhythm. But once the calendar flipped to 2025, Mbappe transformed. He has since become the heartbeat of Madrid’s frontline—unstoppable in transition, clinical inside the box, and increasingly influential as a creative playmaker.
A Packed December Offers More Opportunities
Real Madrid’s December schedule offers Mbappe ample opportunities to continue climbing the scoring charts. In addition to Sunday’s encounter with mid-table Celta Vigo, Los Blancos will face Manchester City in the Champions League—a blockbuster meeting that could further elevate Mbappe’s profile if he shines against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Domestically, Real Madrid are also preparing for clashes with Sevilla and Alavés in LaLiga, as well as an upcoming Copa del Rey fixture. Should Mbappe maintain his current level of form, surpassing Ronaldo’s total may become less a question of if and more a matter of when.
Ronaldo’s 2013 record, forged during one of the most dominant individual seasons in football history, has long been treated as untouchable. Yet Mbappe’s prolific year has brought him closer than any player has ever been to matching the Portuguese legend.
LaLiga Title Race Heating Up
While Mbappe’s pursuit of personal glory draws global attention, Real Madrid remain locked in a tight battle for the LaLiga crown. Barcelona currently sit at the top of the table, holding a one-point advantage after their crucial 3–1 triumph over Atlético Madrid earlier this week—a victory that ended Diego Simeone’s side’s unbeaten league run dating back to August.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have regained momentum with the return of key players Pedri and Raphinha, both of whom started in the win over Atlético. Their reintroduction could prove pivotal as the season progresses, especially in a title race shaping up to be one of the most intense in recent years.
Barcelona must now overcome another difficult challenge when they face Real Betis on Saturday. Betis, who recently secured a derby win over Sevilla, are positioned fifth in the table and have shown the ability to frustrate top teams.
The Chase Behind the Leaders
Just behind the two Spanish giants, Villarreal have quietly crafted an impressive resurgence under Marcelino. Sitting third with a game in hand and five points off the top, the Yellow Submarine have not tasted defeat in LaLiga for two months. They visit Getafe this weekend with aspirations of joining the title conversation should leaders Barcelona or Real Madrid slip.
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Atlético Madrid—one point behind Villarreal—will attempt to bounce back quickly from their loss at the Camp Nou. Their upcoming clash with Athletic Club is expected to be a high-intensity encounter, as Athletic remain one of the toughest home teams in the league.
All Eyes on Mbappe at the Bernabéu
Even with the broader league dynamics unfolding, the spotlight on Sunday will be firmly on Mbappe. Celta Vigo, sitting in mid-table, have struggled for consistency throughout the season. Yet they also possess the kind of compact defensive structure that could test Real Madrid’s creativity.
Still, with Mbappe in record-breaking form, every touch he takes will be scrutinized. Whether he narrows the gap, equals the legendary figure, or takes a major leap toward surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s benchmark, history is within reach.
For Real Madrid fans, Sunday’s match is more than a routine league fixture—it is potentially the next chapter in the rise of a superstar who appears determined to carve out his own legacy at the Bernabéu.
ALSO READ :
