Cristiano Ronaldo has recently shared valuable advice for Kylian Mbappé regarding his future at Real Madrid, emphasizing the importance of adapting to his new role as a central striker.
In an interview with Spanish television show El Chiringuito, Ronaldo expressed his support for the 26-year-old French forward, who has faced challenges since joining Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Key Points from Ronaldo’s Advice
- Position Adaptation: Ronaldo noted that Mbappé is not a natural striker and has struggled to adjust to the demands of playing as a number 9. He stated, “The position of striker makes it a bit difficult for Mbappé… It’s not that he doesn’t know how to play as a forward; it’s just not his position”.
- Encouragement to Emulate His Style: Ronaldo suggested that if he were still at Madrid, he would teach Mbappé how to play as a striker, drawing from his own experience of transitioning from a winger to a forward. “If I were him, I would play more or less like how Cristiano Ronaldo plays as a striker,” he advised.
- Support from Fans and Club: The Portuguese legend urged Real Madrid fans and the club to “take care of the kid” and provide the necessary support for Mbappé’s development. He expressed confidence that Mbappé will eventually bring joy to the fans, stating, “I have no doubt that he is going to give Real Madrid fans a lot of joy”.
Current Performance and Future Prospects
Despite a rocky start, where he faced criticism and even missed penalties in crucial matches, Mbappé has begun to find his form.
He recently won the La Liga Player of the Month award for January 2025 and scored a hat-trick against Real Valladolid, indicating that he is overcoming the initial adaptation challenges.
Ronaldo’s advice comes at a pivotal time as Mbappé looks to solidify his place in the team and fulfill the expectations that accompany being a marquee signing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
