Mbappe, who has netted 55 goals across all competitions in 2025, is just four goals short of the 59-goal calendar year record established by Ronaldo in 2013. With five games remaining this year, the French star has the chance to surpass the Portuguese legend and set a new record.

The World Cup champion continued his excellent form midweek, scoring two brilliant goals and providing one assist against Athletic Club in a 3-0 win at San Mames, raising his LaLiga season tally to 16 goals and four assists in 15 matches, double the eight goals scored by Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, who ranks second on LaLiga's scoring list.

After a difficult start to his Real Madrid journey following his summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, Mbappe has been unstoppable since the start of the year.

The 26-year-old will have more chances to increase his tally in December, with Real Madrid also facing Manchester City in the Champions League and domestic rivals Sevilla and Alaves in LaLiga, plus a Copa del Rey match against an as-yet unknown opponent in between.

However, his first opportunity to score will come in Sunday's match against mid-table Celta Vigo. Ronaldo's 2013 record appeared untouchable for over ten years, but Mbappe’s extraordinary year has brought him close to breaking it.

While the French forward pursues personal records, Real Madrid remain in chase of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, who hold a one-point lead over their rivals after a key 3-1 win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Following their first LaLiga loss since August at the hands of Diego Simeone’s team, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona face a challenging match against fifth-placed Real Betis on Saturday, as Betis aim to build on last weekend’s derby victory over Sevilla.

Barcelona’s win saw the return of important players Raphinha and Pedri from injury to the starting lineup — a boost that could be crucial in the title race.

Currently third in the table, five points behind Barcelona with a game in hand, Marcelino’s Villarreal have gone unbeaten in LaLiga for two months. They will play atGetafe on Saturday, while fourth-placed Atletico, one point behind Villarreal, will look to recover from their Camp Nou defeat when they visit Athletic Club.

Keep up with LaLiga all weekend on Flashscore.