Kylian Mbappé’s Journey to 50 Goals at Real Madrid: A Historical Perspective

Kylian Mbappé’s recent performance in the UEFA Champions League has sparked discussions about his scoring prowess at Real Madrid. On September 17, 2025, he scored two crucial goals, helping the team secure a 2-1 victory against Marseille. This win came despite the team playing with ten men after Dani Carvajal was sent off in the 72nd minute. Mbappé’s goals, both from the penalty spot, marked his 50th since joining the club in July 2024, achieved in just 64 appearances. However, while this milestone is significant, it does not place him among the fastest players to reach 50 goals in Real Madrid’s storied history.

A Closer Look at Mbappé’s Record

While Kylian Mbappé’s achievement of 50 goals in 64 matches is impressive, he is not the quickest player in Real Madrid’s history to reach this milestone. The 26-year-old has surpassed several notable players, including Ronaldo Nazário, who needed 73 games, and Hugo Sánchez, who took 77 matches to reach the mark. Furthermore, even Karim Benzema and Raúl González, two of the club’s all-time leading scorers, took longer, with 106 and 114 games respectively.

In comparison, Mbappé’s strike partner, Vinícius Júnior, took a significantly longer 202 matches to achieve the same goal tally. Despite this, several players have achieved the feat in fewer games than Mbappé, highlighting the competitive nature of goal-scoring at the club.

The Record Holders

To provide context, let’s explore the five players who have reached 50 goals for Real Madrid in fewer games than Mbappé:

1. Fernando Sañudo (47 games)

Fernando Sañudo holds the record for the fastest player to score 50 goals for Real Madrid, achieving this remarkable feat in just 47 games between 1934 and 1936. Known for his prolific scoring rate of nearly a goal every game, Sañudo’s career was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War. He is also remembered for his stunning performance in a Clásico match, where he scored four goals in an 8-2 victory over Barcelona in February 1935.

2. Gaspar Rubio (49 games)

Gaspar Rubio is another legendary figure in Real Madrid’s history, reaching the 50-goal milestone in 49 games. His scoring came during two separate stints at the club, with a total of 30 goals scored between 1928 and 1930 and additional goals during his second spell in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo (54 games)

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the modern era’s greatest players, reached 50 goals in 54 games after joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009. He had an explosive start, scoring five goals in his first four appearances and ending his debut season with 33 goals. Ronaldo’s 50th goal came in November 2010, when he netted a hat trick against Athletic Club.

T-4. Ferenc Puskás (56 games)

Ferenc Puskás, who joined Real Madrid at the age of 31, reached his 50th goal in 56 games. In his first season, he scored four hat tricks and contributed significantly to the team’s success, including a standout performance in the 1960 European Cup final, where he scored four goals in a historic 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

T-4. Alfredo Di Stéfano (56 games)

Alfredo Di Stéfano is a name synonymous with Real Madrid’s glory years in the 1950s and 1960s. He also reached 50 goals in 56 games, amassing a total of 308 goals during his time at the club. Di Stéfano’s impact on the team was profound, as he helped secure 17 major titles and is still regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.

Mbappé’s Future at Real Madrid

As Kylian Mbappé continues to make his mark at Real Madrid, the comparisons with past legends are inevitable. With his impressive scoring record and ability to perform in critical moments, he is well on his way to becoming one of the club’s all-time greats. However, the records set by players like Sañudo, Rubio, and Di Stéfano serve as benchmarks that highlight the rich history of goal-scoring at the club.

Mbappé’s journey is still in its early stages, and while he may not be the quickest to reach 50 goals, his contributions to Real Madrid are already significant. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he continues to develop within this storied franchise.

Key Facts

– Kylian Mbappé scored his 50th goal for Real Madrid in 64 appearances.
– He achieved this milestone on September 17, 2025, against Marseille.
– Other notable players and their records for reaching 50 goals:
– Fernando Sañudo: 47 games
– Gaspar Rubio: 49 games
– Cristiano Ronaldo: 54 games
– Ferenc Puskás: 56 games
– Alfredo Di Stéfano: 56 games

Source: www.espn.com