Mbappé: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Now My Friend

Kylian Mbappé has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo has gone from being his childhood idol to becoming a close friend.

The Real Madrid forward opened up about his relationship with Ronaldo during an exclusive interview with The Athletic, explaining how strange it initially felt to develop a personal relationship with the player he admired while growing up.

“Cristiano Ronaldo used to be my idol; now he is my friend,” Mbappé said.

The France captain explained that he now enjoys spending time with the Portuguese superstar and can turn to him for advice.

“He gives me advice, he supports me and knows that I will always support him,” Mbappé added.

Mbappé's admiration for Ronaldo is well documented. The Frenchman grew up watching the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and has previously spoken about having photographs of Ronaldo in his bedroom.

Their relationship has since evolved considerably.

Mbappé recalled that it initially felt strange to communicate regularly with someone he had previously viewed purely as an idol.

“Now he's really a friend,” he explained, describing their relationship as a good one.

The two forwards also share a special connection through Real Madrid. Ronaldo spent nine seasons at the Spanish club before leaving in 2018, while Mbappé joined Madrid in 2024.

They never played together at the Bernabéu, but Mbappé now has a personal relationship with the player who helped inspire his own rise to the top of world football.

From watching Ronaldo as a youngster to receiving advice from him as a fellow elite footballer, Mbappé's relationship with his childhood idol has certainly come full circle.