Ronaldo Urges Real Madrid Fans to Support Mbappé in Transition

MADRID, Spain — Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid‘s all-time leading goalscorer, has called on fans to support Kylian Mbappé as the French star navigates his debut season at the Bernabéu. In an interview with a Spanish TV show set to air Monday, Ronaldo emphasized the importance of protecting Mbappé, whom he described as a “top player” destined to bring joy to Madrid supporters.

Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid last summer, has scored 22 goals across all competitions this season despite facing criticism earlier in the campaign. Ronaldo, who scored 451 goals during his time at Madrid, revealed that he now watches the club’s games to follow Mbappé’s progress, partly because his son, Mateo, is a fan of the French forward.

“Look after the lad,” Ronaldo said. “The fans need to look after him. He’s very good. The club has to help protect him. I have no doubt he’ll bring a lot of joy to Madrid fans.”

Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, also shared his thoughts on Mbappé’s adaptation to playing as a central striker. “It’s complicated because he doesn’t know how to play as a forward in my opinion — or rather, it’s not that he doesn’t know, but it isn’t his position,” Ronaldo explained. “If I was at Madrid, I’d show him how to play as a number nine.”

Ronaldo, who initially played as a winger before transitioning to a more central role, believes Mbappé should carve out his own unique style. “I wasn’t a forward. I got used to it, but I was a winger. People forget that,” Ronaldo said. “I think [Mbappé] shouldn’t be a typical forward; he should do things his way.”

Mbappé has already made an impact at Madrid, helping the team win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. However, the club faces a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including a Madrid Derby against Atlético Madrid and a Champions League knockout stage playoff.

Ronaldo’s advice comes as Mbappé continues to adjust to life at one of the world’s most demanding clubs. The Frenchman, who idolized Ronaldo as a child, has the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and cement his legacy at the Bernabéu.