Ex-Real Madrid forward Joselu has responded to queries on whether Kylian Mbappe can replicate Cristiano Ronaldo's achievements at the club. The Portuguese icon was a phenomenon during his nine-year tenure with Los Blancos, netting 450 goals. He remains their highest-ever goalscorer.
Mbappe made the switch to the iconic Madrid club this summer, arriving on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 2018 World Cup champion had an extraordinary stint with the Ligue 1 powerhouse prior to his exit, becoming their all-time leading scorer with 256 goals and 108 assists across 308 matches.
Joselu, however, feels that the 25-year-old can merely aspire to reach the remarkable numbers Ronaldo posted during his time at the club.
''Cristiano has been the ‘GOAT’ of Real Madrid, the top scorer in the history of the club. Mbappe’s goal will be to make similar numbers but Cristiano is the best striker who has passed through Real Madrid'', he told Mundo Deportivo.
The French forward has made a strong start with the current LaLiga and UEFA Champions League champions. Mbappe has clocked 887 minutes of game time, netting seven goals and providing one assist in 11 appearances across various competitions.
Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo has already backed Kylian Mbappe to secure the Ballon d'Or during his time at the club. The ex PSG man has already claimed every major trophy, aside from the UEFA Champions League, and is currently regarded as one of the top footballers in the world.
"I think [Mbappé] will do well. The structure of the club … it's nice, it's good. They have a great coach and the president, Florentino [Pérez], who has been there many many years. I think it won't be a big problem because of his talent. Mbappé can be the next golden ball [Ballon d'Or] winner. Him, [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal]'', he told once.
The 39-year old holds the record as Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer, netting more goals than matches played for the club. During his nine-year tenure with the Madrid side, Ronaldo claimed the Ballon d'Or four times, along with a host of other accolades.