Ronaldo Nazário has given Kylian Mbappé a striking endorsement, saying the France forward reminds him of himself at his peak and describing him as a natural heir to the legends of the game. The praise lands cleanly because Mbappe’s World Cup start has been heavy on output: four goals and two assists in three games.

Ronaldo’s praise for Mbappe

Speaking to goal.com, Ronaldo said: "You also have to think about the legacy you leave. But they are both, without a doubt, players who transcend statistics and deserve to be the competition's all-time top scorers. Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of football and he is still influential and decisive today. As for Mbappé, his playing style reminds me of myself at my peak. He is one of the greatest players in football today and a natural heir to the legends of the game."

He said something very similar elsewhere, telling madriduniversal.com: "When I watch Kylian Mbappe, he reminds me of myself in my prime". That is high-level praise from one of the game’s most recognisable strikers, and it fits the way Mbappe has started the tournament rather than leaning on reputation alone.

Mbappe has also put together an 8.07 average rating across his three World Cup appearances. He has looked like a player doing more than finishing chances, with the volume and variety of his end product showing up early.

Real Madrid's tournament form

The wider club picture is strong too. Real Madrid players have scored 11 goals at the 2026 World Cup, the highest total of any club represented. Madrid’s previous club World Cup record was 12 goals at France 1998, so the current tally is already close to that mark.

The scoring has not been a one-man show. Vinícius Júnior has also scored four goals, matching Mbappe for the club lead, while Jude Bellingham has added two for England. That spread matters because it shows Madrid’s attacking names are all producing, not waiting for one player to carry the numbers.

The reaction around Mbappe is still part admiration, part judgment. Ronaldo’s comparison is obviously the bigger line, but the World Cup output gives it enough substance to avoid sounding like empty praise. France will keep leaning on Mbappe in the next round, and Madrid will keep watching the same tournament scoreboard with interest.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →