Kylian Mbappé continued his sensational debut season with Real Madrid by scoring a stunning acrobatic goal in their 3-2 Club World Cup quarter-final victory over Borussia Dortmund, equalling Karim Benzema’s record as the most prolific Frenchman in a single season at a top European club.
Introduced from the bench, Mbappé made an immediate impact with a breathtaking scissor kick that electrified the crowd and shifted momentum firmly in Madrid’s favour.
The goal was his 44th of the campaign, drawing him level with Benzema’s tally from the 2021–2022 season.
After scoring, Mbappé paid tribute to Diogo Jota by forming the number 20 with his fingers in celebration—an unexpected nod amid an already historic moment.
However, comparisons with Benzema have been inevitable.
While both men share the 44-goal milestone, Benzema achieved his in 12 fewer matches than Mbappé, a detail not lost on observers tracking their legacy at the Bernabéu.
Despite that, Mbappé’s numbers remain astonishing in a season that has tested even the most seasoned squads.
Real Madrid are contesting an unprecedented seven competitions: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and the newly formed FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
This demanding calendar has not slowed Mbappé, who has managed to score in every single competition—a first in the club’s history.
“It’s a record that will be hard to repeat,” a club source remarked after the match, pointing out that even in a trophy-rich campaign, such consistency across multiple formats is rare.
Real Madrid have so far lifted two of the seven titles on offer this season, but Mbappé’s scoring exploits have provided a constant bright spot.
💥 | Kylian Mbappé ouvre son compteur dans la compétition avec un but splendide ! 🔝🔥 #FIFACWC #RMABVB #RealMadrid #Dortmund
Suivez la rencontre @realmadrid 🆚 @BlackYellow gratuitement ici : https://t.co/kAQFrmIwIx ! 👈 pic.twitter.com/OhAvn8rlXA
— DAZN France (@DAZN_FR) July 5, 2025
His goal against Dortmund showcased not only technical brilliance but also the timing and flair that have become trademarks of his game since joining from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Frenchman now turns his attention to a potentially decisive clash against his former club, PSG, where he could break Benzema’s record outright.
With form and fitness on his side, few would bet against him rewriting history once again.
As FIFA continues to expand the football calendar, records may inevitably fall.
But for now, Mbappé’s achievement stands tall—one that cements his place among the elite and underscores his growing legacy in Madrid white.
