The Rest Is Football – “Mbappe vs Ronaldo” (Dec 23, 2025)
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards
Focus: La Liga’s top stories, Mbappe’s record-equaling feat, Barcelona’s dominance, Real Madrid’s issues, and lively comparisons between football’s greats.
Episode Overview
This episode dives into La Liga's latest drama with emphasis on Barcelona’s robust form, Real Madrid’s struggles and Kylian Mbappe equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar year goal record. With classic chemistry and insider knowledge, the hosts dissect what these stories mean for the present and future of Spanish football—including dressing room insights, transfer talk, and legendary comparisons.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Barcelona's Statement Win Over Villarreal
- [04:20–13:10]
- Breaking down Barcelona’s 2-0 away win at Villarreal, ending Villarreal's eight-match unbeaten run.
- Rafinha shines: Earns and scores a penalty; his post-injury form impresses (4 goals in 3 games).
- Lamine Yamal: Consistency lauded—19 goal involvements in 19 games.
- Team adaptability: Barcelona performed well despite missing Pedri.
- Red card pivotal: "The red card changed the game, without a doubt." (E, 09:38)
- Discussion over the proposal to play league games in Miami and its impact on fans: "You can't do that to football fans… imagine you want to go to every game for your team and then suddenly it's Miami." (D, 07:39)
- Barcelona’s consistency and squad depth put them firmly atop the table, with praise for Hansi Flick’s rotations and management.
2. La Liga Title Race Dynamics
- [08:24–14:15]
- Barcelona’s momentum vs. Real Madrid’s stuttering performances.
- Importance of midfield stability and return of key players like Jean Garcia.
- Injuries could be the only threat to Barcelona’s dominance, especially long absences for Pedri.
- Assessment of Real Madrid’s lack of consistency and the contrast in team chemistry compared to Barcelona.
3. Real Madrid & Mbappe’s Historic Milestone
- [14:15–27:41]
- Real Madrid edge Sevilla 2-0, but display continued unconvincing football under Xabi Alonso.
- Bellingham scores and wins a penalty; Rodrigo causes defensive chaos and earns a penalty.
- Kylian Mbappe scores penalty to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year.
- Dissatisfaction among Madrid fans: "Xabi Alons came on the screens at the end of the game and he was whistled… they're not happy." (E, 17:07)
- Pressure on Xabi Alonso’s management—expectations for improvement after the winter break with the Super Cup looming.
4. The Mbappe vs Ronaldo vs Messi Debate
- [22:35–26:38]
- Side-by-side career stats at 27:
- Ronaldo: 272 goals, 106 assists (378 contributions from 531 games)
- Mbappe: 410 goals, 170 assists (586 in 544 games)
- “Nobody says publicly Mbappe is better than Ronaldo—but surely, surely soon, because that’s crazy.” (E, 23:32)
- Comparison nuanced: both started as wingers, both morphed into central attackers mid-career.
- Messi’s dominance: “Messi’s 91-goal year… I honestly don't think that will ever be defeated.” (D, 24:36)
- Mbappe’s World Cup impact highlighted—hat trick in final as a teenager, still perceived as undervalued: "I just wonder whether he gets the credit… I don't think he's considered as an all-time great, and I think he should already." (D, 26:19)
- Side-by-side career stats at 27:
5. Atletico Madrid’s Form & Conor Gallagher’s Future
- [28:56–31:43]
- Atletico notch up three wins in eight days, now leaping over Villarreal.
- Praise for Koke’s “wonder strike” and Griezmann’s super-sub effectiveness.
- Conor Gallagher scores, but his future at Atletico is uncertain: "Maybe one of his last contributions for Atletico… he needs to be playing more regularly if he wants to [make the] World Cup." (E, 30:14)
- Possible Premier League return for Gallagher, with Spurs rumored to be interested.
6. Roundup of La Liga Results
- [33:29–35:27]
- Real Betis thrash Getafe 4–0, closing the year in 6th.
- Elche hammer Rayo Vallecano 4–0 to move to 9th.
- Osasuna score three late goals to beat Alaves.
- Draws: Oviedo vs Celta Vigo (0–0), Levante vs Sociedad (1–1), Valencia vs Mallorca (1–1).
- Notable mention: "Levante scored a 94th minute penalty to rescue a point." (E, 34:15)
- “We need to get Hugo Duro on [the] pod.” (E, 35:31)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Barcelona’s Miami Game Proposal:
"You can't do that to football fans… imagine you want to go to every game for your team and then suddenly it's Miami."
— Gary Lineker (D, 07:39) -
On Mbappe vs. Ronaldo:
“Nobody says publicly Mbappe is better than Ronaldo—but surely, surely soon, because that’s crazy.”
— Alex (E, 23:32) -
On Messi’s Calendar Year Record:
“Messi’s 91-goal year… I honestly don't think that will ever be defeated.”
— Gary Lineker (D, 24:36) -
On Mbappe’s Impact:
“Where would Real Madrid be this season without him? Without him, that’d be big dooo.”
— Gary Lineker (D, 27:07) -
On Real Madrid’s Team Ethos:
“Madrid take that route. They go down the Galacticos route. So can they complain when they don't look like they're a team?”
— Gary Lineker (D, 19:35) -
On Age in Football:
“Lewandowski’s in and out… he’s in his late 30s now.”
— Gary Lineker (D, 13:40)
Timestamp Index of Key Segments
- [04:20] – Barcelona’s 2-0 win at Villarreal, Rafinha and Lamine Yamal praised
- [07:38] – Miami game controversy
- [09:38] – Villarreal red card analysis
- [11:19] – Rafinha’s progression and language skills chat
- [13:39] – Barcelona’s squad depth and Flick’s management
- [14:35] – Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Sevilla, highlights
- [17:07] – Fan and board dissatisfaction with Xabi Alonso
- [21:14] – Mbappe matches Ronaldo’s 59-goal mark
- [22:35] – Ronaldo vs Mbappe vs Messi career comparison
- [26:19] – Is Mbappe underrated as an all-time great?
- [28:56] – Atletico Madrid recap, Koke and Gallagher discussed
- [33:29] – Quickfire roundup of weekend’s La Liga results
- [35:41] – Holiday chat, plans for winter break
Tone & Chemistry
The hosts maintain their trademark authenticity—offering sharp tactical insights, dry wit, and plenty of unscripted banter. There’s nostalgia, strong (often contrary) opinions, and open challenge of football’s received wisdom, as in the candid Messi/Ronaldo/Mbappe debate. Direct quotes preserve their conversational, sometimes teasing style.
Episode Takeaways
- Barcelona are the team to beat, showing resilience and tactical flexibility under Hansi Flick, with dynamic performers like Rafinha and Yamal.
- Real Madrid are winning, but underwhelming in style and team cohesion. Mbappe is world-class, equaling Ronaldo’s records, but his greatness might still be undervalued.
- Atletico Madrid's steady improvement continues, but expect potential key departures in the winter window.
- The Messi/Ronaldo/Mbappe debate is evolving, with hosts making the case for Mbappe’s generational status.
For football fans seeking sharp analysis, dressing-room tales, and lively debate—this episode encapsulates all the reasons The Rest Is Football is essential listening.