Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday that Kylian Mbappé has the potential to become a club legend on par with Cristiano Ronaldo as Madrid prepares for its Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad.
Madrid holds a 1-0 advantage heading into Tuesday’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, following Endrick’s first-half goal in the initial meeting on Feb. 26. Mbappé, who missed the first leg after undergoing dental surgery, is expected to be available for the return match.
When asked if the French star could surpass Ronaldo’s legacy, Ancelotti remained optimistic. “I can only let Mbappé be himself and expect he will achieve just as much as Cristiano did at Real Madrid,” he said. “Can he do it? Yes, I think he can.”
Since joining Madrid, Mbappé has scored 33 goals in all competitions, matching the total Ronaldo recorded in his debut season with the club in 2009-10.