Cristiano Ronaldo has shared his thoughts on Kylian Mbappe’s progress at Real Madrid, predicting great success for the French superstar while offering a critical piece of advice to his former club: Mbappe must be properly guided to excel as a central striker.
⚽ Mbappe’s Mixed Start at Real Madrid
After his blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe faced intense scrutiny during his early months in Madrid. Despite being regarded as one of the best goalscorers in world football, the Frenchman struggled to adapt, especially after a missed penalty against Athletic Club in December, which he later described as his lowest point.
However, 2025 has seen a dramatic turnaround in form. Mbappe scored five goals in three La Liga matches in January, earning the La Liga Player of the Month award and silencing many of his early critics.
🗣️ Ronaldo’s Advice: “Teach Him to Play as a Striker”
Speaking to El Chiringuito, Cristiano Ronaldo compared Mbappe’s journey at Madrid to his own experiences at the Bernabeu. While praising the 26-year-old’s talent, Ronaldo emphasized that Mbappe needs to be taught how to thrive as a ‘number nine’, a position that doesn’t come naturally to him after years of playing off the left wing at PSG.
“The striker position makes it a bit difficult for Mbappe because he doesn’t know how to play as a striker, in my opinion,” Ronaldo explained.
“Not that he doesn’t know, but it’s not his natural position. If I were at Real Madrid, I would teach him to play as a ‘nine.’ I wasn’t a striker either when I arrived. I got used to playing as a striker—I played on the wing, and people forget that.”
Ronaldo’s insights highlight a key tactical issue: while Mbappe’s pace and finishing are world-class, adapting to the positioning, hold-up play, and movement required of a central striker is a different challenge entirely.
❤️ “I Love Him Very Much” – Ronaldo on Mbappe
Beyond tactics, Ronaldo also expressed genuine admiration for Mbappe, recalling how the French star idolized him growing up.
“I love him very much, and not only because of the story he had as a young man when he loved Cristiano Ronaldo and he was his idol.
But I really see him as a superstar, and he is going to give Real Madrid a lot of joy.”
Mbappe has often spoken about his admiration for Ronaldo, even sharing photos of his childhood bedroom filled with CR7 posters. Now, years later, he’s walking in his idol’s footsteps—wearing the famous white shirt and aiming to build his own legacy at the Bernabeu.
🔍 What’s Next for Mbappe?
While Mbappe’s form has improved, Ronaldo’s comments raise an important question: should Real Madrid continue using him as a central striker, or should they adjust their system to suit his strengths from the left wing?
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Mbappe’s role will continue to evolve, and with guidance, he could become as dominant through the middle as he was cutting in from the flanks at PSG.
One thing is certain: with Ronaldo’s endorsement and his own talent shining through, Kylian Mbappe’s best days at Real Madrid are still ahead.
