Mbapp├® hails Ronaldo as Real Madrid's 'Number One'

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbapp├® has paid glowing tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the Portuguese icon as "still number oneÔÇØ at the club and "a role modelÔÇØ who continues to inspire him.

Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, Mbapp├® has quickly established himself as a talismanic figure at the Santiago Bernab├®u.

The 25-year-old netted 44 goals in his debut campaign and has already scored 14 times in the ongoing season.

Despite his prolific form, Madrid ended last season without a major trophy. However, they currently sit top of LaLiga, two points ahead of Barcelona, after eight matches.
What Mbappe said
Speaking in an interview with Movistar on Sunday, the French star revealed that he has been fortunate to receive personal advice and mentorship from Ronaldo, who remains Madrid's all-time leading scorer with 450 goals in nine seasons.

"Cristiano has always been a role model for me. I'm lucky enough to talk to him, he gives me advice, he's helped me. I think in Madrid, he's still the number one. He serves as the reference point for Real Madrid players; he has accomplished a great deal. The fans still dream about Cristiano. But I want to follow my own path,ÔÇØ Mbapp├® said.

Reflecting on Madrid's early-season form, Mbapp├® acknowledged the team's inconsistency, citing their heavy 5-2 defeat to Atl├®tico Madrid last month.

"They [Atletico] came to play a derby, and us... we did too, but without putting any intensity into the duels, the crosses. They won all the duels. It's hard to win a game like that,ÔÇØ he admitted.

On international duty, Mbapp├® scored in France's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan on Friday before being substituted with a minor ankle knock, his second in as many weeks.