Same Goal Tally as Cristiano Ronaldo: Why Kylian Mbappé Faces ‘Strange’ Criticism at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé has already matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal tally from his first two seasons at Real Madrid, yet the French superstar continues to face intense scrutiny as the Spanish giants demand trophies as well as individual brilliance.

Mbappé joined Real Madrid as a free agent in 2024 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and immediately inherited the No. 9 shirt previously worn by Ronaldo. His first season produced 44 goals and the La Liga Golden Boot, silencing many of the early questions about whether he could adapt to playing centrally.

However, the criticism has not disappeared.

Mbappé Has Matched Ronaldo's Numbers

The comparison with Ronaldo is unavoidable.

After his first two seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mbappé has scored 86 goals in 103 appearances — exactly the same number Ronaldo had managed after the same number of seasons in Madrid.

Ronaldo, of course, went on to become one of the greatest players in Real Madrid history, scoring 450 goals for the club and producing six consecutive seasons with at least 50 goals.

That makes the comparison an enormous compliment to Mbappé, but it also creates an incredibly high standard for the Frenchman.

Why Is Mbappé Still Being Criticised?

Former Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman believes the criticism surrounding Mbappé is somewhat unusual.

The issue, according to McManaman, isn't necessarily Mbappé's individual performances.

Instead, it is the fact that Real Madrid have not won enough major trophies since he arrived.

Mbappé has already collected the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup with Madrid, but the club has yet to win the Champions League or La Liga with him leading the attack.

For a club like Real Madrid, that can quickly turn an excellent individual season into a disappointing one.

The “Win or Disaster” Mentality

That pressure is central to understanding Mbappé's situation.

At Real Madrid, finishing second can be viewed very differently from finishing second at many other clubs.

McManaman described the environment as essentially “win or disaster.”

The expectations are enormous because Real Madrid are judged against their own history as much as against their rivals.

Barcelona winning major trophies makes the situation even more intense.

If Madrid finish second while Barcelona lift trophies, the pressure immediately increases on the manager and the biggest players.

Mbappé and Vinícius Still Have to Find the Formula

Another major talking point is the relationship between Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Individually, both players can dominate matches.

McManaman's argument is that when one of them is unavailable, the other can become the obvious attacking focal point and look unstoppable.

When they play together, however, Real Madrid have sometimes struggled to find the perfect balance.

Both players are at their best when they can attack space, drift into dangerous areas and influence the game from the left side.

Finding the right tactical structure to maximise both players remains one of the biggest challenges facing Mourinho.

Mourinho Has Been Given a Clear Mission

Real Madrid's decision to bring José Mourinho back to the club has raised expectations even further.

The Portuguese manager already understands the demands of the Santiago Bernabéu after previously spending three seasons in charge.

According to McManaman, Mourinho has not returned simply to finish second or produce attractive football.

His mission is straightforward: beat Barcelona and win trophies.

That puts enormous responsibility on both Mourinho and Mbappé.

The manager must find the right system, while Mbappé must continue producing the goals that have made him one of football's biggest stars.

Barcelona Have Added More Pressure

The challenge is also becoming more difficult because Barcelona remain a major force.

The Catalan giants have strengthened their squad and are expected to be one of Madrid's biggest competitors again.

The arrival of Rodri at Barcelona adds another major name to the rivalry and makes the midfield battle even more interesting.

For Real Madrid, simply matching Barcelona's results may not be enough.

They need to beat them in the biggest matches and ultimately finish above them when trophies are decided.

Mbappé Has Already Proved His Quality

It is important not to overlook what Mbappé has already accomplished.

Scoring 86 goals in 103 games for Real Madrid is an extraordinary return.

Winning the La Liga Golden Boot in his first season is another indication that the forward has adapted successfully to Spanish football.

The argument is therefore not about whether Mbappé is producing numbers.

He is.

The question is whether those numbers can be converted into the trophies that Real Madrid supporters demand.

The Ronaldo Comparison Works Both Ways

Being compared with Ronaldo can be both flattering and difficult.

Mbappé's statistics demonstrate that he has started his Madrid career at an extraordinary level.

But Ronaldo's legacy means the comparison inevitably raises expectations.

Ronaldo did not simply score goals at Madrid.

He became the central figure in a team that won multiple Champions League titles and dominated Europe.

Mbappé will ultimately be judged on whether he can build a similarly successful legacy.

The Pressure on Mbappé Is Different

There is another important distinction.

Mbappé arrived at Real Madrid already regarded as one of the best players in the world.

Ronaldo arrived from Manchester United as a superstar, but he still had a period of adaptation before reaching his absolute peak in Madrid.

Mbappé therefore entered the club with expectations that were almost impossible to exceed.

Every missed opportunity is analysed.

Every big-game defeat becomes a discussion about whether he has done enough.

That is the reality of being Real Madrid's leading superstar.

What Mourinho Must Solve

Mourinho's biggest tactical challenge could be finding a system that allows Mbappé, Vinícius and the rest of Madrid's attacking talent to function at maximum level.

The Portuguese manager also needs to establish authority within a dressing room containing several major personalities.

McManaman believes Mourinho has been trusted by president Florentino Pérez precisely because he is expected to bring structure and get the best out of the squad.

That means Mbappé will remain central to the project, but he will also be expected to operate within Mourinho's system.

Sevens Sports Arena Verdict

Kylian Mbappé's numbers are difficult to criticise.

Matching Cristiano Ronaldo's goal tally after two seasons at Real Madrid demonstrates just how productive the French forward has been.

Yet the criticism he receives is ultimately about something bigger than goals.

Real Madrid demand trophies.

The club's supporters expect Champions League victories, domestic titles and success against Barcelona. Individual statistics are important, but they cannot completely compensate for a lack of major silverware.

Mbappé now enters another crucial season with Mourinho in charge and another opportunity to turn his extraordinary numbers into trophies.

If he can lead Real Madrid to major honours while continuing to score at his current rate, the criticism will disappear quickly.

And if Mbappé eventually approaches Ronaldo's trophy-winning legacy as well as his early scoring numbers, the comparison could become one of the most fascinating stories in modern football.