In February 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo suggested that Kylian Mbappé should learn to play as a traditional number 9. At the time, Mbappé was still finding his footing at Real Madrid. Ronaldo drew from his own experience, having transitioned from a winger to a prolific striker during his time at the club. He believed Mbappé could follow a similar path. This advice was given during a period of adjustment for Mbappé, as he sought to make an impact in his new team.
Since then, Mbappé has indeed become more comfortable playing in an axial role at Real Madrid. In their recent derby against Atlético de Madrid on September 20, 2026, Mbappé started as a center-forward. His performances have been impressive, with 42 goals in 44 appearances during the 2025-2026 season. The start of the 2026-2027 season has also seen him make an impact, including a hat-trick against Real Sociedad on August 26, which contributed to a 4-1 win for Real Madrid.
While Mbappé has developed his ability to occupy the box and make runs in the center, he has not lost his skills as a winger. He often drops deep, moves to the left, and uses his speed to attack the opposition's defense. His explosiveness remains a key part of his game. This ability to adapt and combine different skills has allowed Mbappé to thrive in his new role.
The comparison with Ronaldo is interesting, as the Portuguese star also evolved from a winger to a striker without losing his original qualities. Mbappé appears to be following a similar path, but with his own unique style. He is learning to play as a number 9 without abandoning the skills that made him a talented winger.
The question remains whether Cristiano Ronaldo's advice was accurate. It can be argued that he was correct about Mbappé needing to develop his skills as a center-forward. However, this does not mean that Mbappé had to become a traditional number 9. His recent performances suggest that he can be effective in the center without losing his ability to play on the wing.
The derby against Atlético de Madrid on September 20, 2026, which Real Madrid lost 2-1, highlighted the importance of being able to play in different positions. While Mbappé's role as a center-forward was not enough to secure a win, it demonstrated that occupying the center is not the only factor in a player's offensive impact.
Ultimately, Mbappé's evolution as a striker has been successful, and he has found a way to combine his new skills with his existing abilities. His adaptation has allowed him to become a more complete player, and he will likely continue to be a key player for Real Madrid in the future.
Key points
- Mbappé has developed his skills as a center-forward at Real Madrid while retaining his abilities as a winger.
- Cristiano Ronaldo's advice to Mbappé to play as a number 9 seems to have had a positive impact on his game.
- Mbappé's evolution as a striker is a testament to his adaptability and willingness to learn and improve.
