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

At just 27, Kylian Mbappé reached a milestone that places him among the Champions League greats. Celebrating his 100th appearance during Real Madrid’s thrilling 4–3 comeback against Roma, Mbappé scored the opener, marking his 72nd goal in Europe's premier club competition.

It seems like yesterday when Mbappé first appeared on the scene with Monaco in the 2016–17 season, scoring in a memorable 5–3 win over Manchester City in the round of 16. Since moving to Paris Saint-Germain a year later, he has only strengthened his reputation as one of the competition’s most prolific forwards.

Though the Champions League trophy remains elusive for Mbappé, his near decade of scoring brilliance in Europe keeps him on track with the tournament’s all-time top scorers.

Comparing Mbappé to Messi and Ronaldo After 100 Games

Through these 100 matches, Mbappé has netted 72 goals and provided 25 assists. His latest strike lifted him above Real Madrid legend Raúl, positioning him fifth on the Champions League all-time goalscorers list.

While still trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the competition’s top two scorers, Mbappé’s numbers suggest he could challenge or even surpass them in the future. Ronaldo had 66 goals after 100 games, eventually finishing with 140, while Messi had 77 goals at this stage, ending with 129.

Mbappé sits right between these two legends at 72 goals, benefiting from the expanded tournament format which offers more opportunities to score and advance.

• Player: Lionel MessiGoals Scored: 77Teams: Barcelona
• Player: Kylian MbappéGoals Scored: 72Teams: Monaco / PSG / Real Madrid
• Player: Cristiano RonaldoGoals Scored: 66Teams: Manchester United / Real Madrid

The only other player to surpass 100 Champions League goals is Robert Lewandowski, who had an impressive 81 goals through his first 100 appearances.

Titles and Trophies: The Missing Piece for Mbappé

Messi and Ronaldo both secured Champions League titles within their first 100 matches, setting them apart. Mbappé came closest in the 2019–20 season when PSG fell 1–0 to Bayern Munich in the final. Since then, he has not progressed beyond the semifinals.

Mbappé’s Drive for Champions League Glory

Joining Real Madrid shortly after their record-breaking 15th title in 2024 raised expectations for a new European dynasty. Yet, the team and Mbappé have struggled to get past the quarterfinals since his arrival.

Already a World Cup winner and the competition’s all-time top scorer, Mbappé admitted his deepest desire now is to win the Champions League with Real Madrid. Speaking to CBS Sports after a win over Inter Milan, he said,

"That’s what I said yesterday about the Ballon d’Or, but the Champions League is even more important. That’s the objective, that’s the goal. 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 might not have started the 2026–27 season in dominant form, but they remain among Europe’s elite. Mbappé has the ability to change matches almost single-handedly. Only time will reveal if this will be the season he achieves the one triumph he craves most.