Mbappe Equals Ronaldo Record as Real Madrid Beat Sevilla

With a late penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 home victory over Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday, Kylian Mbappe tied Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year. The French forward celebrated his 27th birthday in style.

Before receiving his chance from the penalty four minutes from time, Mbappe wasted a number of previous opportunities. He scored his 59th goal in as many games across all competitions in 2025 to tie Ronaldo’s 2013 total.

“Today, and because of the record, it’s incredible, in my first year, to be able to do what Cristiano did,” Mbappe said to RMTV.

“My idol, the best player in the history of Real Madrid and a reference in world football. It’s an honor for me.”

Real Madrid took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal by Jude Bellingham, and with 22 minutes left, Marcao’s second card reduced Sevilla to 10 men. However, the home team was able to maintain their lead thanks to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Sevilla is in ninth place with 20 points, while Real Madrid is in second place with 42 points, one behind Barcelona, who go to third-place Villarreal on Sunday.

After losing first place in November with three straight draws, Xabi Alonso’s team was hoping to finish the year on a positive note. They finished 2025 with three straight victories across all competitions, but it was by no means an easy triumph.

Early on, Sevilla caused a lot of trouble. Isaac Romero chipped a shot that was delivered through on goal and went just wide, causing the home crowd to whistle as Real Madrid was under pressure.

Before Real took the lead seven minutes before halftime, Mbappe missed a shot as the home team struggled to produce a clear-cut opportunity, and Lucien Agoume of Sevilla missed another goal for the visitors.

Bellingham soared to force a header into the far corner after Rodrygo’s free kick entered the box, calming Real Madrid’s fears at halftime.