Kylian Mbappe has a great chance to rewrite history when Real Madrid host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga this weekend and is on course to surpass Ronaldo’s record.
The French striker has scored 55 goals in 2025 in all competitions and is just four goals away from Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year (set in 2013). With five games left before the end of the year, Mbappe’s ability to set a new benchmark is becoming clearer than ever.
The World Cup winner’s excellent form continued in midweek against Athletic Bilbao, where he scored a classy double and assisted one goal, contributing to a 3-0 win at San Mames. Those impressive numbers bring Mbappe’s total in La Liga this season to 16 goals and four assists after 15 games, surpassing second-placed Robert Lewandowski, who has only eight goals.
Although his start at Real Madrid has not been easy after leaving PSG in the summer of 2024, Mbappe has gradually proven his worth since the new year. He has become the focal point of Real’s play and has become more explosive as he plays.
The French star shines brightly in a Real Madrid shirt. Photo: EPA.
December will continue to be a busy time for the 26-year-old player when Real face Manchester City in the Champions League, face Sevilla and Alaves in La Liga, and enter the next round of the Copa del Rey against an undetermined opponent. However, Celta Vigo on December 7 is the closest challenge, and also the opening opportunity for Mbappe to break Ronaldo’s record.
The record was considered untouchable for more than a decade, but Mbappe’s destructive form in 2025 has made experts believe that he can completely create a miracle. Besides Mbappe’s individual efforts, Real Madrid are still fiercely competing for the top spot in La Liga. The Spanish Royal team is currently one point behind Barcelona after their arch-rivals had an important 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Ronaldo’s record is likely to be broken by Real’s No. 10. Photo: EPA.
Barcelona under Hansi Flick is showing stability when pillars such as Raphinha and Pedri have both returned to the starting lineup. They will face a real challenge when facing Real Betis, the team ranked fifth and just won the Seville derby.
Meanwhile, Villarreal continue to chase the top group with a two-month unbeaten run under coach Marcelino and will host Getafe at the weekend. Atletico Madrid, currently in fourth place and one point behind Villarreal, will visit Athletic Bilbao, determined to make amends for their defeat at Camp Nou.
The title race is getting more and more exciting, and in parallel, the scenario of Mbappe surpassing the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo to set a new scoring record is becoming the focus of football fans around the world.