Kylian Mbappe has opened up about the strong relationship he has forged with “role model” Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he regularly receives advice from the Portugal superstar. The France forward has made no secret of his admiration for the Real Madrid legend over the years, having followed in his footsteps by becoming the star attraction at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe shared Ronaldo picture after joining Real
After completing his long-awaited move to Real in June 2024, Mbappe immediately took to social media to express his delight at joining the Spanish giants. In a post which went viral on Instagram, the 26-year-old shared several images including one of him meeting Ronaldo when he was a child. And the Al-Nassr striker later commented on the post, writing: “Excited to see you light up the Bernabeu.”
AdvertisementFrance captain 'lucky' to be able to exchange messages with his idol
And Mbappe has since revealed that he and Ronaldo are often in communication with each other, saying he is “lucky” to be able to pick the brain of the player he idolised growing up. Mbappe told “Cristiano has always been a role model, an example, for me.
“I'm lucky to be able to talk to him. He gives me advice, helps me… He's the number one, the biggest reference at Real Madrid. People, even now, still dream of Cristiano. He's the best, but I want to forge my own path, and it will be historic for me and for Real Madrid. I want to do something historic with Real Madrid.”
Getty Images SportMbappe has been in remarkable form for Real in 2025-26
And Mbappe’s hopes of making history with Real have been boosted following his excellent start to the 2025-26 season. The attacker has scored 14 goals in 10 games in all competitions, including five in just two Champions League appearances so far. Mbappe is also the current top goalscorer in La Liga, having scored nine times to help Xabi Alonso’s side ascend to the top of the league table. Real currently sit two points above rivals Barcelona, having won seven of their eight league games.
Les Bleus forward has replicated club form on international stage
Mbappe has also replicated his goalscoring form with Real for France during the international break. Les Bleus’ captain scored in his 10th successive game for club and country in his nation’s 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying. After helping maintain France’s winning start to qualifying, manager Didier Deschamps was full of praise for Mbappe after the game.
Deschamps said: ”He's a central striker. The range of abilities depends on the system. With us, he has freedom, like most strikers. In the centre, there are fewer constraints, especially defensively. He has legs of fire, he's confident, and his head is also fine. He exudes a lot of power and speed, and that's where he makes even more of a difference. He's totally committed to us, he fully assumes his role as captain and his responsibility towards the group. We can always do better. He's a central striker who likes to have freedom and participate in the game.”