Comparing Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first 100 games at Real Madrid

He scored 95 goals in his first 100 games, with 19 of those coming from penalties. Mbappe, on the other hand, has scored 16 penalties out of his tally and has played slightly more minutes (8,400) than Ronaldo did after 100 games (8,160).

The gap is there, but it is not massive. In fact, Mbappe remains one of the closest players to Ronaldo’s early scoring pace in the club’s history.

Only Ferenc Puskas, Ronaldo, and a couple of historic names sit ahead of him after 100 games.

A different kind of attacking influence

Where Mbappe begins to separate himself is in his overall involvement.

While Ronaldo’s early Madrid years were focused heavily on finishing moves, Mbappe has shown a more rounded attacking presence.

Even though he is primarily used as a striker, he has still contributed in build-up play and created chances.

This does not mean he is better than Ronaldo, far from it, but it shows a difference in style.

Mbappe offers a slightly different attacking role, whereas Ronaldo at that stage was already evolving into a pure goal machine.

Trophies tell a different story

Now, this is where the comparison becomes more complicated, as Mbappe’s biggest issue right now is not his numbers, but the lack of team success.

Ronaldo played a big role in one of Real Madrid’s most successful eras. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

So far, he has only lifted the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup with Madrid. For a club of this size, that is not enough.

On the other hand, Ronaldo did not win a major trophy in his debut season either, as his first piece of silverware, the Copa del Rey, arrived in his second year.

By the time he reached his 100-goal mark in his 105th appearance, he had just that one trophy to show for his efforts, but that Copa del Rey title holds bigger influence than the ones Mbappe has won.

Individually, Ronaldo had already secured major honours like the European Golden Boot and the Pichichi during that early phase.

Mbappe, for his part, has already won one Pichichi and is on course to win another, showing that his individual dominance is very much in place.

Furthermore, he also won the European Golden Shoe after a prolific 2024/25 season so on that front, the two forwards are tied.

At first glance, Ronaldo’s numbers still edge the comparison. More goals, slightly sharper efficiency, and a higher early peak in terms of pure scoring.

But Mbappe is not far behind. In fact, he is closer than most players who have ever worn the Madrid shirt.

However, attention must be paid to influence as well, as Ronaldo’s era eventually turned into one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid history, while Mbappe is still at the beginning of his journey.