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Kylian Mbappé’s Champions League Journey Compared to Messi and Ronaldo at 100 Matches

Kylian Mbappé marked a milestone by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 Champions League appearances during Real Madrid’s thrilling 4–3 comeback win over Roma. The French forward opened the scoring in that match, bringing his tally to 72 goals in those 100 games on Europe's premier stage.

It feels recent that Mbappé first emerged with Monaco in the 2016–17 season, netting his debut Champions League goal in a memorable 5–3 victory away to Manchester City in the round of 16. A year later, he joined Paris Saint-Germain and since then, his reputation as one of the competition’s top players has only grown.

Although the coveted trophy has so far eluded him, Mbappé, just 27, has spent nearly a decade impressively scoring in Europe’s elite tournament, keeping pace with the best goal scorers through his first 100 matches.

How Mbappé Measures Up Against Messi and Ronaldo After 100 Games

Through these 100 games, Mbappé has scored 72 goals and assisted 25 times. His goal against Roma pushed him past Real Madrid legend Raúl, making him the fifth-highest scorer in Champions League history.

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi still hold the top two spots, Mbappé’s current numbers suggest he might challenge or surpass them eventually. At his 100th game, Ronaldo had scored 66 goals on his way to a record 140, and Messi had 77 out of his eventual 129. Mbappé’s 72 goals place him right between them, and given the tournament’s expanded format, he has ample opportunity to close the gap.

Another player who reached 100+ Champions League goals is Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker had an impressive 81 goals after his first 100 matches.

  • Player: Lionel Messi
  • Goals Scored: 77
  • Teams: Barcelona
  • Player: Kylian Mbappé
  • Goals Scored: 72
  • Teams: Monaco / PSG / Real Madrid
  • Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Goals Scored: 66
  • Teams: Manchester United / Real Madrid

Despite these individual feats, Messi and Ronaldo both secured Champions League titles within their first 100 games. Mbappé came closest in the 2019–20 season when PSG lost 1–0 to Bayern Munich in the final. Since then, he hasn’t progressed beyond the semifinals.

Mbappé’s Desire for Champions League Glory

After Real Madrid claimed their record 15th Champions League title in 2024, Mbappé joined the club amid hopes of launching another dominant European era. Yet, Madrid and Mbappé have not advanced past the quarterfinals since his arrival.

Mbappé has already won a World Cup and stands as the competition’s all-time top goalscorer for France, but he recently revealed that winning the Champions League with Real Madrid is now his greatest ambition.

“That’s the objective, that’s the goal [to win the Champions League],” Mbappé said after Madrid’s opening day win over Inter Milan. “That’s what I said yesterday about the Ballon d’Or, but the Champions League is even more important. I play for the club of my dreams. It’s really important for me to win the Champions League here in Madrid. I want it more than anything.”

Real Madrid’s start to the 2026–27 season has been uneven, yet they remain among Europe’s elite teams. Mbappé, capable of turning matches around almost on his own, might finally achieve his dream this season. Only time will reveal if this moment arrives soon for the French star.

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