Kylian Mbappé added his name to another line in the record books Saturday, tying Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals by a Real Madrid player in a calendar year.
The milestone was about to escape the France striker until he converted a penalty kick with four minutes left to complete a 2-0 win over 10-man Sevilla in Madrid’s final game of the year.
He marked the achievement, which came on his 27th birthday, with a subdued version of Ronaldo’s trademark “Siu” goal celebration before blowing a kiss at the television cameras.
“A special day,” Mbappé said. “We won the game, which was crucial — that was the objective. With the record, it’s incredible in my first year doing what Cristiano did, the best player in Real Madrid’s history, a role model in world football.
“It’s an honor for me. He’s always been affectionate to me, talking to me about Madrid and how to adapt. I’m very happy now to score goals for Real Madrid.
“[The celebration] was for him. I have my own usually, but I wanted to share it with him today. He was my idol as a kid, I have a good relationship with him, and he’s my friend now.”
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