Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has tipped Kylian Mbappe as the rare talent capable of matching, and potentially surpassing, the legendary standards set by Cristiano Ronaldo.
He insisted the French international of Cameroonian descent possesses the qualities to carve his own historic legacy at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arbeloa’s glowing endorsement followed Madrid’s commanding 2-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday, a result that kept Los Blancos within touching distance of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Goals from Alvaro Carreras and Mbappe secured the win, with the latter once again underlining his importance to the Spanish giants.
Mbappe’s strike not only sealed the triumph but also reinforced his remarkable scoring consistency this season, further strengthening comparisons with some of the club’s most celebrated figures.
The Frenchman currently leads the La Liga scoring charts by a considerable margin, having netted 23 goals, comfortably ahead of second-placed Vedat Muriqi, who has registered 15.
Mbappe’s goal against Valencia marked his 82nd for Real Madrid, an impressive tally that continues to elevate expectations around his long-term impact at the club.
Arbeloa acknowledged that Ronaldo’s achievements in Madrid remain extraordinary and difficult to replicate, yet he believes Mbappe is one of the few players capable of approaching those heights.
“We thought we wouldn’t see anything like Cristiano, but (Mbappe) is on track. Right now he’s the best player in the world, for sure.
“What Cristiano did looked like something out of this world and impossible to match, as if nobody could come close. Kylian has a long path, because Cris was here for many years.
“But Kylian has the qualities to follow his path. You never know. If anyone can do it, it’s Kylian.”
Beyond his domestic exploits, Mbappe has also delivered outstanding performances in Europe and domestic cup competitions, scoring 13 goals in the UEFA Champions League and adding two more in the Copa del Rey.
