Cristiano Ronaldo has praised Kylian Mbappé’s qualities while offering his thoughts on how the Real Madrid forward can improve his role as a striker.
The Portuguese football legend revealed that his son regularly watches highlights of top young players, including Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, and often compares them with his famous father.
Ronaldo shared a light-hearted exchange with his son, explaining that the youngster sometimes argues that Mbappé is a better player.
“My son watches YouTube compilations of Mbappé, Bellingham, and Camavinga, and he tells me, ‘Mbappé is better than you.’ I reply, ‘But I’ve scored more goals.’ Then I remind him that Mbappé missed a penalty… and he says, ‘You missed one too,’” Ronaldo said.
Beyond the family conversation, the former Real Madrid star also discussed Mbappé’s adaptation to the centre-forward position at the Spanish club.
According to Ronaldo, Mbappé has the ability to become an outstanding No.9 but should avoid being limited to the role of a traditional striker who only operates inside the penalty area.
“Kylian Mbappé is struggling to play as a striker. If I were at Real Madrid, I’d teach him how to play as a No.9. He shouldn’t be a traditional striker who stays in the box,” Ronaldo explained.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner believes Mbappé’s playing style shares similarities with his own, particularly in terms of speed, movement and attacking ability.
“He’s the player whose style is closest to mine, and we’re very similar,” Ronaldo added.
Mbappé joined Real Madrid with huge expectations after completing his long-awaited move to the club, and he has been adapting to a new attacking system while carrying the responsibility of leading the team’s frontline.
