Kylian Mbappe Explains How Cristiano Ronaldo Shaped His Vision of the Modern Forward

Kylian Mbappe has long acknowledged the influence Cristiano Ronaldo had on his development, but the Real Madrid forward says his inspiration was never limited to copying one player. From his early years in France to becoming one of football’s biggest names, Mbappe has taken lessons from the stars he admired and built them into his own style.

The bond between the two forwards has changed considerably over time. What began with Mbappe watching Ronaldo from afar grew into a relationship based on mutual respect, conversations and advice, with the French star now following his childhood idol to Real Madrid.

Mbappe’s admiration for Ronaldo dates back to his earliest days in the sport. Well-known images from his childhood bedroom in Bondy show Ronaldo posters covering the walls, while his family has described how closely he followed the Portuguese superstar’s career.

Their connection became even more memorable when Mbappe visited Real Madrid’s training ground as a young player and met Ronaldo. He reportedly studied the forward’s movements, drawing inspiration from his pace, stepovers, changes of direction and ability to attack from wide areas while scoring consistently.

Ronaldo’s influence was especially important because he showed Mbappe what a modern forward could become. His evolution from a dynamic winger into one of the game’s most prolific goalscorers offered a model for a young player looking to refine every part of his attacking game.

Mbappe reveals what Ronaldo taught him

Mbappe gave his clearest account of Ronaldo’s influence when L’Equipe asked whether the Portuguese star had inspired him as a player. Rather than crediting Ronaldo alone, Mbappe explained that his childhood idol helped shape his understanding of the possibilities available to an elite striker. “Not just him, not just him. Cristiano was my childhood idol, and I think for a long time he embodied the idea that a striker can do many things; he can do so much.”

Mbappe also explained why he believes the best players learn from several sources instead of trying to imitate one individual. “But I think that as a striker, you always try to take a little bit of the best that others have and what they excel at, because your goal in the end is to improve yourself, so that there are fewer people doing things better than you”, he added.

That distinction is central to understanding Mbappe’s development. Ronaldo was his childhood idol and a major influence, but Mbappe has always aimed to absorb the strongest qualities of different players and turn them into a game of his own.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shakes hands with Kylian Mbappe of France

From bedroom posters to Real Madrid

Mbappe’s career has also created a clear connection with his childhood hero. After emerging at Monaco and becoming a global star at Paris Saint-Germain, he eventually completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid, the club where Ronaldo became a legend.

Mbappe has previously said that Ronaldo influenced how he imagined a career at the highest level. His decision to pursue a move to Madrid carried an obvious sense of continuity, particularly given what the Portuguese forward achieved there.

The Frenchman has also adapted parts of the Portuguese veteran’s style into his own game. Explosive acceleration, stepovers, sharp body movements and an instinct for finding space are traits associated with both players, although Mbappe has forged his own identity.

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