Rabat – Kylian Mbappe has spoken out about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the Real Madrid legend as a true friend who has helped him adapt to life in Spain.
Long known to idolize Ronaldo, the French striker said in an interview with Vanity Fair that their connection has grown beyond admiration.
“He is a friend now. It’s so great when people you idolise when you’re young become your friends,” Mbappe said of Ronaldo. “We used to talk a lot, and he helped me in my first year at Madrid, because he knows it very well. We have a wonderful relationship, and I’m very happy with it.”
Images of Mbappe’s childhood bedroom covered in Ronaldo posters became part of football folklore. Now aged 27, the French forward says the Portuguese star has become a mentor, offering guidance during his transition to Real Madrid.
Pressure at the Bernabeu
Off the pitch, Ronaldo’s support has been valuable. On the pitch, however, Mbappe faces growing criticism.
Madrid are enduring a second consecutive season without a major trophy, and frustration among fans has turned toward the club’s marquee signing.
Despite scoring regularly, Mbappe is accused of slowing the team’s overall rhythm. A massive online petition calling for his departure has even gathered millions of signatures, reflecting the anger of supporters who expected him to lead a new era of dominance.
While the shadow of Ronaldo looms large and Mbappe’s statistics are strong, critics argue he has not matched the decisive impact Ronaldo once delivered.
And questions have emerged inside the club about whether his arrival disrupted the chemistry between stars like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
But as Madrid looks to reclaim their lost prestige and mount a comeback to the UEFA Champions League podium, it remains to be seen whether parting ways with a prolific scorer of Mbappe’s stature is indeed the way to go.
