Real Madrid’s talismanic forward, Kylian Mbappe, etched his name into the club’s history books on Wednesday night by breaking a long-standing record held by one of the club’s greatest legends, Alfredo Di Stéfano.
In a tense LaLiga clash against Mallorca, the French superstar scored his 28th league goal of the season in his 32nd appearance, surpassing Di Stéfano’s record of 27 goals in a debut LaLiga campaign for Real Madrid — a milestone that had stood unchallenged since the 1953–54 season.
Mbappe’s Historic Moment
Mbappe’s goal, which came in the 68th minute of Real Madrid’s nail-biting 2-1 victory, marked a major individual achievement for the 25-year-old. The goal not only turned the tide in a must-win match but also placed him at the top of the record books for debut-season goal scorers in LaLiga wearing the white of Los Blancos.
With two league matches still to play, Mbappe has the opportunity to further extend his tally and underline what has already been a sensational introduction to Spanish football following his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Speaking after the match, a visibly proud Mbappe said:
“It’s a special moment for me, but I have to give credit to my teammates and the fans who have supported me from the very first day. To beat a legend like Di Stéfano is an honor, but the focus remains on helping the team win trophies.”
Match Recap: Late Drama at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid had to dig deep to overcome a resilient Mallorca side that took a surprise lead through Martin Valjent’s header in the 11th minute. The early goal stunned the Santiago Bernabéu crowd and forced Madrid into an uphill battle.
Mbappe’s equalizer in the second half restored hope, and the pressure intensified as time ticked away. It was Jacobo Ramon who played the hero’s role in the dying moments, firing home a dramatic 95th-minute winner to keep Real Madrid’s slim title hopes mathematically alive — at least for another 24 hours.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men, still reeling from a 3-2 loss to Barcelona the previous weekend, knew that anything less than a win would all but confirm the title for their arch-rivals.
“It was a difficult game, very emotional,” said Ancelotti post-match. “We showed character and didn’t give up. Mbappe made the difference again, and I’m very happy for him and for the team. Breaking Di Stéfano’s record is no small feat — it shows the level he’s brought to this club.”
Title Race Still on Hold
Real Madrid’s win means that FC Barcelona, who lead the standings by four points, will have to wait until after their derby match against Espanyol to potentially clinch the title. If Barcelona win, they will be crowned champions regardless of Madrid’s late comeback. However, a draw or defeat for the Catalan side would push the title decision to the final two rounds of the season.
The result keeps Madrid’s season on life support, with hopes now pinned on an unlikely slip-up from Xavi’s side.
Mbappe Among Real Madrid’s All-Time Greats
Though still early in his Real Madrid career, Mbappe’s impact is already being spoken of in legendary terms. Surpassing Di Stéfano’s debut-season goal record is significant, considering the Argentine-Spanish legend scored 306 goals in 392 games for the club — a record that placed him among the all-time greats.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo (450), Karim Benzema (354), and Raúl (323) have scored more goals for Real Madrid than Di Stéfano, underlining the elite company Mbappe now finds himself in.
Football historians and fans alike have praised the Frenchman’s seamless transition to LaLiga. His combination of blistering pace, clinical finishing, and tactical intelligence has quickly made him the focal point of Madrid’s attack.
What’s Next for Mbappe and Real Madrid?
With two matches remaining in the league, Mbappe has more than just personal accolades on the line. Real Madrid will be looking to end the season on a high, hoping for a miracle in the title race while also building momentum for next season.
Ancelotti emphasized that the team remains focused despite the narrow margin for error:
“We have to win our remaining games and see what happens. Football is unpredictable, and until the final whistle, we’ll keep fighting.”
As for Mbappe, the sky appears to be the limit. Already a World Cup winner and multiple-time league champion, the 2024/25 season has added another impressive chapter to his career — and it’s only just beginning at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappe’s record-breaking moment against Mallorca isn’t just another goal in a glittering career — it’s a symbolic passing of the torch, from one Real Madrid era to another. In breaking Alfredo Di Stéfano’s 71-year-old record, Mbappe has confirmed what many already suspected: he is not only the future of Real Madrid, but also a player capable of rewriting the club’s storied history.
With the title race still hanging in the balance and his goal-scoring exploits making headlines, all eyes will be on Mbappe and Madrid in the final weeks of the season.
