Football prodigy at 25: Kylian Mbappe’s staggering stats compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

As Kylian Mbappe celebrates his 25th birthday, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the incredible journeys of three footballing maestros—Mbappe himself, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo—when they were the same age. At 25, these players had already etched their names in football history, each leaving an indelible mark with their unique styles and achievements.

Kylian Mbappe, the prodigious French forward, boasts an impressive record at 25. With 421 appearances, he has notched an astounding 309 goals and provided 148 assists. His lightning-quick pace and clinical finishing are evident in his remarkable goal-scoring rate of one every 103.3 minutes.

A key contributor to Paris Saint-Germain’s success, Mbappe has clinched numerous domestic titles, including six Ligue 1 championships, three Coupe de France trophies, and two Coupe de la Ligue victories. Internationally, he played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and secured the UEFA Nations League.

What does the record say for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

In contrast, Lionel Messi, the Argentine magician, had amassed 279 goals and 121 assists in 399 appearances by the age of 25. Renowned for his mesmerising dribbles and goal-scoring prowess, Messi’s goal-per-minute ratio stood at 111.5. His trophy cabinet glittered with five La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League triumphs, and numerous individual accolades, including three Ballon d’Or awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese powerhouse, had already stamped his authority on the football world with 160 goals and 70 assists in 407 appearances at 25. Known for his athleticism and goal-scoring exploits, Ronaldo’s goal-per-minute ratio was 187.5. His early career included stints with Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in the 2007–08 season.

While Mbappe’s trajectory at 25 boasts remarkable achievements both domestically and internationally, Messi and Ronaldo had already established themselves as icons with numerous individual honours and team successes. As the football world celebrates Mbappe’s birthday, the comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo serve as a reminder of the remarkable talents that have graced the sport over the years.