MADRID — Kylian Mbappe equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid with a late penalty in his side’s 2-0 home win over Sevilla in LaLiga yesterday, with the French forward celebrating his 27th birthday in style.

Mbappe missed several earlier chances before getting his opportunity from the spot four minutes from time and he made no mistake to net his 59th goal in as many games across all competitions in 2025 to level Ronaldo’s 2013 haul.

"Today, and because of the record, it’s incredible, in my first year to be able to do what Cristiano did," Mbappe told RMTV.

"My idol, the best player in the history of Real Madrid and a reference in world football. It’s an honour for me."

Jude Bellingham put Real in front in the opening half and Sevilla went down to 10 men with 22 minutes remaining after Marcao received a second booking but the hosts had keeper Thibaut Courtois to thank for keeping them ahead.