Is stopping Mbappe now an impossible task?

Striker Kylian Mbappe continues to demonstrate outstanding goal-scoring form in Europe this season. Alongside Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, he forms one of the most exciting attacking trios in world football right now. However, many believe that watching Mbappe is more thrilling than watching Haaland or Kane.

Mbappe shows incredible "flair"

In the early hours of December 4th, the French striker scored a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the 19th round of La Liga. This result ended Los Blancos’ streak of three consecutive draws and reignited their title hopes. Mbappe needed only 20 matches to become the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to score 25 goals for his club across all competitions this season. Including his national team appearances, he has contributed to 36 goals (scoring and assisting) in 24 games, with 30 goals and 6 assists.

In 2025 alone, Mbappe has already netted 62 goals, showcasing an elite scoring rate. At San Mames stadium, the 26-year-old star scored twice and assisted once, raising his tally to 7 goals in just 3 recent matches. Not only did he relieve Real Madrid’s pressure after a disappointing run, Mbappe’s brilliant performance also brought his team closer to Barcelona, reducing the gap between the two sides to just 1 point.

Moreover, the Real forward leads with 16 goals in 15 matches, double the tally of the next three players: Robert Lewandowski, Vedat Muriqi, and Ferran Torres. Last season, Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 31 goals in 34 games. The former PSG star is well positioned to defend his title.

With his current form, Mbappe continues to break individual scoring records and remains a crucial pillar for Real Madrid’s title ambitions. Yet, what truly impresses about Mbappe isn’t just his stats, but the emotion he brings—far more captivating than the “goal machines” Kane and Haaland. Look at Mbappe’s inspired brace, reminiscent of the old Ronaldo “Fenômeno.” He is currently the only striker worldwide who combines aesthetic style with unmatched effectiveness.

If you’ve watched Mbappe from his Monaco and PSG days to now at Real Madrid, it’s clear that his style differs greatly from Kane’s and Haaland’s. Kane and Haaland are classic center forwards, but Mbappe is not. Saying Mbappe plays in the mold of Ronaldo is accurate because he loves dribbling, accelerating, and constantly surprises opponents with his skills. Also, thanks to Alonso’s support and trust, Mbappe is now maximizing his potential. He has become the true symbol of victory for the Royal Club, not Vinicius.

Alonso pleased with Bellingham

Alongside Mbappe’s consistency, coach Xabi Alonso can also feel relieved about Jude Bellingham. No longer acting as a “goal-hunting midfielder” like before, the Englishman has dropped deeper, sacrificing to become the soul of the playing style Alonso has carefully crafted. When Real Madrid needed a change to overcome doubts after unstable performances, Bellingham became the key figure to help the team through tough times.

In the match at San Mames, he played as a true box-to-box midfielder, connecting the lines. This was Bellingham’s most complete performance in a long time, shining not through goals but by controlling the game—something Alonso struggled with since Luka Modric’s departure. Against Bilbao, Bellingham appeared in every critical area, from initiating plays, linking with Vinicius and Mbappe up front, to tirelessly recovering the ball...

Bellingham’s ability to cover and appear timely in key areas helps Real maintain high pressing intensity and necessary solidity. This balance is essential in Real’s overall gameplay. Thanks to Bellingham, the attackers no longer get in each other’s way but instead, he acts as the “glue” holding the pieces together.

This is especially vital as Real Madrid currently lacks a true playmaker. Bellingham’s energy and tactical intelligence, combined with Camavinga’s mobility and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s attacking support (before injury), have allowed Real’s midfield to dominate Athletic Bilbao. With players who rely more on brains than brute strength, Real plays with fewer touches, smart off-the-ball movement, and wins most duels.

Coach Xabi Alonso is undoubtedly the most satisfied with Bellingham’s positional adjustment. It may not be the perfect choice yet, but it has solved many problems Alonso faced during a period when Real’s squad depth was limited and the midfield lacked the personnel the Spanish tactician desired. Bellingham is neither Modric nor Kroos; he is unique with his distinctive playing style. Now, Alonso only hopes Bellingham stays injury-free and maintains his current form.

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