The international media were highly impressed by Kylian Mbappé on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Frenchman led Real Madrid past Manchester City with a hat-trick, making headlines around the world.
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"Mbappé is the king of Madrid," writes Marca. "The Frenchman scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid and prevented any panic. This is why Mbappé came to Madrid.
He was responsible for a glorious night, rewarding his team, which was superior to Manchester City in every aspect. With a 3-1 victory over Manchester City, his tally for the season rises to 28 goals. Time for a bet will Mbappé reach 50 in his first year? We think he will." The Spanish press was unanimous in its praise for the French star, highlighting his decisive role in a match that many had expected to be a tight contest between two European giants. Instead, it became a personal showcase for Mbappé, who dominated proceedings from start to finish. His runs were explosive, his finishing clinical, and his presence overwhelming for City's defense. Every time he touched the ball, there was a sense that something extraordinary was about to happen. His opening goal, a stunning solo effort, set the tone for the night, while his second and third displayed the killer instinct that has made him one of the most feared forwards in the world.
"He is the champion," writes Diario AS. "Real Madrid crushes Manchester City, and the Frenchman enjoys his big night with a hat-trick. A stunning display. In a 3-1 triumph over City, it was a magical night for Emperor Mbappé. For him, it was one of those evenings a footballer hopes will never end. The ninety minutes flew by." Madridistas inside the Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a masterclass, a night reminiscent of some of the most iconic Champions League performances in history. The French forward seemed to be everywhere at once, weaving through defenders, linking up seamlessly with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, and tormenting City's backline with his electric pace. Guardiola, who had warned of Mbappé’s ability to change a game in an instant, could only watch in frustration as his tactical setup was dismantled by the sheer brilliance of one player. By the time the final whistle blew, Real Madrid had not just secured their place in the next round, but had also sent a message to the rest of Europe: with Mbappé leading the line, they are once again the team to beat.
"Mbappé defeats Manchester City," headlines El País. "His performance tonight was beyond all proportions. Real Madrid's 3-1 win saw Mbappé shine, in what was expected to be the best match of the season, but he simply fired Madrid into the Round of 16. Godzilla arrived in Madrid in the summer, and last Wednesday, the monster truly emerged." The Spanish newspaper was not alone in drawing mythical comparisons to Mbappé’s display. His movement was effortless, yet devastating. His finishing was ruthless. In a game filled with world-class talent on both sides, he stood above them all. It was the type of performance that solidifies legacies, one that will be spoken about for years to come. Madrid fans, already thrilled by his arrival, now have no doubts that they are witnessing the birth of a new era.
La Vanguardia was also impressed by Mbappé. "Mbappé destroys Manchester City. A hat-trick from the Frenchman reflects Real Madrid's superiority, a team that deserved an even bigger scoreline. This was the night where Mbappé was the star player, the night he had hoped for in the Champions League, and the night he completely dismantled City with a hat-trick." The scoreline may have read 3-1, but it could easily have been more. Real Madrid dominated large spells of the match, their midfield suffocating City’s usual passing rhythm and their attack exposing vulnerabilities in Guardiola’s backline. Mbappé was the undisputed star, but his teammates also delivered top performances, ensuring that City's threat was neutralized.
It wasn't just the Spanish media that were full of praise for Mbappé the international press was equally amazed. "After a difficult period, he is back to being himself. He is once again terrifying defenders. It's no surprise he received a standing ovation," wrote L'Équipe. The French publication, often critical of Mbappé when he struggles, had nothing but admiration for his display in Madrid. The Frenchman’s return to form could not have come at a better time, with the business end of the season approaching and the Champions League trophy now a realistic target. Argentina's Olé stated, "It is difficult to find words to describe what we witnessed here at the Santiago Bernabéu. Mbappé was the great architect of this night." The South American outlet compared his performance to some of the greats in football history, emphasizing that the Champions League is where legends are made, and that Mbappé is now firmly establishing himself among them.
A Bola described Mbappé’s performance as "out of this world," O Globo called him "the star of a legendary night," and BILD summed up the match result as "Mbappé 3 - Pep 1." Even Pep Guardiola struggled to find the words to describe his opponent on Wednesday. "This is the best Real Madrid I’ve seen in recent years," he said during the post-match press conference. The admiration was genuine, as even City’s coach had to acknowledge the individual brilliance that had undone his well-drilled side. While City controlled possession at times, they had no answer for Mbappé’s directness and ability to create danger out of nowhere.
Carlo Ancelotti, during his press conference, drew a comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo. "To reach Ronaldo’s level, he will have to work very hard because Ronaldo set the bar incredibly high. But with the motivation and qualities that Mbappé possesses, I definitely think he can reach that level." The Italian manager, who has coached some of the greatest players in football history, understands what it takes to become a legend. Mbappé’s hunger for success, combined with his talent, puts him on a path that few players in history have followed.
Nathan Aké, one of the few City defenders who tried to contain Mbappé, admitted after the match that it was an impossible task. "This match, he was unstoppable," Aké conceded. "He was really, really good. He is clearly a top player. But so are all three of them up front. In this match, we didn't defend them well. They were simply better than us." His words summed up what many had witnessed Real Madrid, with Mbappé as the spearhead, were simply on another level. The question now is how far they can go in this tournament. With Mbappé in this kind of form, the sky is the limit.
Updated: 10:28, 20 Feb 2025
