Mbappe vs Ronaldo

Summary

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)

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.

Transcript

[A]

This podcast is brought to you by Carvana. Carvana makes car selling fast and easy from start to finish. Enter your license plate or VIN and get a real offer in seconds, down to the penny. If you accept, Carvana will come pick up your car from your driveway or you can drop it off at one of our car vending machines. Either way, you get paid instantly. It's fast, transparent and 100% online car selling that saves your time. That's Carvana. Carvana pickup fees may apply.

[B]

There's a reason Chevy trucks are known for their dependability because they show up no matter the weather, push forward no matter the terrain and deliver. That's why Chevrolet has earned more dependability awards for trucks than any other brand in 2025, according to J.D. power, because in every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard. Visit Chevy.com to learn more. Chevrolet received the highest total number of awards among all the trucks in the J.D. power 2025 U.S. vehicle Dependability Study Awards based on 2022 models. Newer models may be shown. Visit jdpower.com awards for more details. Chevrolet Together Let's Drive.

[C]

Rated E for everyone. Includes in game purchases. Includes random Items EA Sports FC 26 is here. Play your way this holiday season with an overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback. Enjoy festive upgrades in ultimate team with winter wildcards. Take on holiday themed challenges and manage your career like navigating the busy Christmas period and team up with friends and clubs with new tournaments and live events. The club is yours. Give the gift of football with EA Sports FC 26.

[D]

Coming up on today's show, goals from Raphinha and Lamina Mao give Barcelona a statement. Win Villareal as the Catalan side make it eight consecutive La Liga wins. Kylian Mbappe equals a Cristiano Ronaldo record as he scores again in Real Madrid's win against Sevilla. Conor Gallagher scores just his second league goal of the season as Atletico Madrid cruise to victory against Girona and Real Betis hit Pasca Tafe as they end the year on a high. Stay tuned for all the action. Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football La Liga with Alex Alger and me, Gary Lineker and we're approaching that time of the year where Spanish football takes a rest. I was always envious about that and actually missed it. In the years that I spent spent at Barcelona. It was quite lovely just to have a bit of time off at Christmas. We go into that Christmas break with Barcelona sitting pretty four points clear of the top. Elsewhere it's quite tight in the middle of the table think from 12th to 18th. There's just three points separating them. So there'll be a bit of nervousness going into the festive season for a lot of clubs around that relegation zone. Before we start about football, I think we might need to mention something called darts. Alex, were you there?

[E]

I was there, Gary. I went last night.

[D]

Tell me, how was it? I've never been. I like the darts. I watch it on tv, but I've never. I've never had the courage to go.

[E]

No, it's always a great night. It's a great night. I actually love playing darts. I've got a dartboard here. Are you any good regularly? I'm all right.

[F]

I'm all right.

[E]

It was a very, very good night. I did try and push this podcast back as late as possible.

[D]

I did notice that it was.

[E]

It's always a long night. I'm actually. I'm at Craven Cottage later. Oh, okay. See you then.

[D]

I'll see it.

[E]

I'll probably see that Blanc.

[D]

We're going in somewhere quite posh. Going with the Premier League, actually, so.

[E]

Nice. Nice.

[D]

Yeah. Looking forward to you later.

[E]

I'll be working. I'll be working.

[D]

I mean, this is second time in three weeks that I would have watched Forest. And that's not great for Leicester fan, but perhaps. So I'll probably be cheering on Fulham, but no.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

For obvious reasons. It's such a lovely way to watch football at Craven Cottage.

[E]

You forget you're at a football stadium.

[D]

Yeah, it's got a bit of charm. Onto the football, then. Let's start with Barcelona, who produced some would say perhaps a statement win. Vireal, because it had been over two months since the Yellow Submarine had lost a game in La Liga, not Champions League, obviously. It's very different in that competition. We go into the details of that one. Let's see how it all panned out.

[G]

Rafinha to have a little dart past Kana, who hangs a leg out. Penalty given. Don't think there's much doubt in that one. Rafinha was the man to earn the penalty. And Rafinha is the man to score it to cap a brilliant calendar year for him. Nicely worked on the edge of the area. Vireal have got a square. Jules Kunde's turned the ball into his own net. Vi think they've got an equalizer, but the offside flag is about to deny them. Kunde. Oh, Vega through the back of Laminal there. Renato. Vega's in trouble. Big trouble. Sent off and the host will have to play more Than a half with 10. The big Brazilian clattered in there. Here's Marcus Rash that Kunde had set off. Instead he finds Lamau. It's a bit untidy. It's Robert Lewandowski. It's a good save by the goalkeeper. Still not clear the danger. Not clear at all. Lamina Miles finished things off, you would think against 10. Barca two in front. Will Barcelona end the year? And they end Villarreal's winning run with three points on their travels.

[D]

Well, Alex, Barcelona soldiering on, I mean, getting very consistent at the moment. And another really impressive performance. Difficult place to. To go and play. And Villarreal. Both these teams went into it didn't as the most form sides in La Liga, but I mean Virial didn't help themselves with the red card but. And they had one or two chances that they should probably have stuck away. As we always know you're going to get against Barcelona. But overall I thought Barcelona were pretty impressive.

[E]

Yep, eight wins in a row for Barcelona. Now they had to cope without Pedri and they certainly coped without him. Obviously such a key player for him. Rafinha has been absolutely brilliant since he came back from injury. Four goals in three La Liga games. Yamau, there's no stopping your mouth right now. Was it 19 goal involvements in 19 games? Absolutely incredible. This game, by the way, the one that was supposed to be played in Miami.

[D]

Exactly.

[E]

The uproar.

[D]

Yeah, well, quite rightly so. I mean, you can't do that to football fans. I don't. I mean, I know they do NFL try because they want to grow their sport around the world, but football is already an enormous sport around the world. I just. It didn't make any sense. I'm glad. I'm glad that. I'm glad that I didn't happen. No, because imagine you're a kind of person that wants to go to every game for your Al fans and you know, go to every home game. Then sudden, yeah, suddenly it's a long.

[E]

Way to my Miami, isn't it?

[D]

I mean, much as it'd be nice to go to Miami at this time.

[G]

Of year.

[D]

In Spain, Spain's. You know, if it's an English club, you go watching Miami and Miami in the winter. Maybe, but. But that makes sense that they play.

[E]

The game in Spain. But I. Is there any stopping Barcelona? That is the question.

[D]

Well, I'm not sure either. Real Madrid, day one as well. We'll come to that game shortly. But in the overall picture, Barcelona seemingly looking better even with you know, both teams have won. Madrid have known three on the bounds, two in La Liga. It's not convincingly. No. And I suppose, you know, that might come. That might come at some point. And we've seen, haven't we? And it was similar last season. There's pitches where. There's the spells where one team is going really well. They get a little gap, then they have a bad patch and the other team wins a game. And it's rotated a bit. It's happened earlier in this season, but I don't feel like that will happen with this Barcelona team unless they get a number of injuries, unless Pedri's out for a long period of time. He's. I think he's the absolute key and they're not quite the same and he doesn't play, but they've got so much firepower. And I know Real Madrid have got firepower as well, but they don't seem to have that consistency in midfield at the moment that. That realm that Barcelona have got.

[E]

Yeah. And having Jean Garcia back is massive as well. Another clean sheet for them.

[D]

Yeah, a couple of good saves as well. One on ones.

[E]

Yeah, absolutely. The red card changed the game, without a doubt. Chelsea youngster.

[D]

Yeah, it was a very, very rash lunged in and I. I can see why it was a red card. I don't think you can have too many complaints on that one. It wasn't one of those that you have to. I had a bit of a rant in a regular pod that went out on Monday about Xavi Simon's one, which I thought was. It was just. He was just trying to put his foot down. It was an accident.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

This was rash. This was rationed. Quite possibly dangerous. So I think it was probably justified on this occasion.

[E]

Yep, yep, I do. I agree. But really strange season for Villarreal. They've sort of. Well, they've been everyone in La Liga except the top three.

[D]

And no. 1 in the Champions League.

[E]

And no one in the Champions League. Yeah. Bizarre. One point from six games in the Champions League knocked out the Copa del Rey as well midweek by the Segunda leaders. It's bizarre. Really is bizarre. But they're going to be happy with their. Their form in La Liga and, well, it looks like they'll finish in the top four for sure.

[D]

Yeah, well, they're pretty well clear of the chasing pack. Athlet Madrid have kind of jumped above them on this particular occasion, but, I mean, the way Barcelona up front, and obviously he's rotating quite a lot at the moment. Rafinha's come in now and started the last two. I mean, the one that hit the crossbar as well. What an effort that was. I mean it. I mean, he does really strike a ball very, very cleanly. He's an excellent footballer.

[E]

Yeah, yeah. Top, top player. I, I interviewed him before the Chelsea game when he was just coming back. He didn't start that game in the Champions League. I saw him speaking to Hansi Flick off camera and you can see just Hansi Flick adores him. He's. They obviously have a brilliant, brilliant relationship, but he's an unbelievable player. So good. So good.

[D]

Did you do it in Portuguese? Is it?

[H]

Yeah.

[D]

Does he speak English? He must do at least a while or.

[E]

Not all these players speak English.

[D]

They all do now, don't they? Everyone. I mean, people have a pop up footballers, don't they? Or the footballers are not very clever. And you go like, hang on a minute, how many, how many multilingual footballers are there? So many.

[E]

Yeah, so many. And they speak multiple languages. The thing is, I get it, they're worried that something could be misconstrued if.

[D]

They say, yeah, no, I totally thought yours. More comfortable speaking our own language.

[E]

Yeah, yeah. It keeps me in a job anyway, so you're bloody impressive at that later these days.

[D]

And the Portuguese one is the one that impresses me me most, actually, Alex, because really well, it's bloody difficult.

[E]

You speak Spanish, I'd say.

[D]

I speak Spanish, yeah. And it's a bit rusty nowadays because I never get the chance to practice because everyone speaks bloody English, which is annoying.

[E]

Well, that's the thing, isn't it?

[D]

Portuguese though, which actually, if you, if you read his Portuguese newspaper, it's so similar to Spanish. Yeah, really is. You can re. I can read a, a column on. In. In Portuguese and, and not a problem. But listening to it and speaking it, it entirely different. It's completely different.

[E]

The pronunciation. Yeah, it's quite similar to Russian, Eastern.

[D]

European, I would say. Yeah, it is.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah. You're very good at it.

[E]

Thank you. Yeah, thank you.

[D]

Very impressive.

[E]

Impressive. Barcelona are also impressive.

[D]

Yeah. And they've got, you know, they've got so many options up front, haven't they, really? Have they can. He can afford to rest his players occasionally. I mean, he generally brings them on. You know, Rashford came on again. I thought he looked really good. Marcus. I think he's been incredibly consistent this season. Rafinha is now back and fit. Lewandowski's in and out. He's obviously managing his games a little bit, which you probably need to do. He's in his late 30s now.

[E]

Old age.

[D]

Yeah, well, it is in football. It is.

[E]

I mean, yeah, it feels that way as well in, in real life as well for me, after the darts, I must say.

[D]

Yes, you went big. You went big.

[E]

Real Madrid, I would say right now, obviously we're going to speak about in a moment, are not playing as a team, but this Barcelona team really, you know, looks like a team. Whoever Hansi Flick plays, they're all on the same page. They follow his game plan week in, week out. Real Madrid not so much.

[D]

Okay, let's turn to Madrid and, and their game. And obviously it was played on the birthday, the 27th birthday of Kylian Mbappe and of he not one in and equalled a record of Cristiano Ronaldo's which we'll talk about after we've seen the highlights.

[G]

Real Madrid avoided embarrassment against slowly Talavera in the Copa del Rey in midweek. They end 2025 at home against Sevilla. Rodrigo's delivery. It's Bellingham climbing and Jude Bellingham heads Real Madrid in front. He arrived on the scene perfectly and the finish wasn't bad either. Rudiger Rodrigo. Well, that's Markau who has already been booked and he's booked for a second time and sent off. He protests his case, but he was late there. Rodrigo. And he's caught by Juan Lu Sanchez. Penalty given. He is causing some problems. Rodrigo. It will be Killian Mbappe to mark his birthday with a record equaling 59th goal of the calendar year. Here's Bellingham gets away from Oso and is caught and tumbles. And Real Madrid are awarded a second penalty. Jude Bellingham, the man to go down. This time. It is going to be checked. It is going to be overturned. There will be no second penalty for Real. It is Real Madrid's night. It is Kylian Mbappe's night alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. 59 real goals in a calendar year.

[D]

Well, it wasn't free flowing stuff yet again, but it's. It's a results business ultimately. And at the moment I would say Jabilon's needs results and he's. He has got three victories on the bounce in all competitions. But we also know that in clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona often results on enough. They want to be all encompassing playing wonderful football. But that's not really happening at the moment.

[E]

No, no, it's not, it's not. And it, yes, a two nil win fine, three points. But it was not convincing. Xavi Alons came on the screens at the end of the game, as in, his face was on the big screens and he was whistled, dude, they're not happy. They're not happy. They need to be playing a lot better than they are. Yes, a win, but not a win for Xabi Alonso at all.

[D]

Although better than a loss. I would.

[E]

Definitely better than a defeat. It will, of course, buy him time, but the jury is out. The jury is out.

[D]

I suppose it really ultimately comes down to one bloke, doesn't it, there, Florentino Perez. I mean, you know, he's a president that is not known necessarily for his patience, but, you know, we can guess all we like, but ultimately it's. It's what he thinks and he will.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

And he's. He's never been afraid to make. Make a big decision, that's for sure.

[E]

Yeah, absolutely. It's his decision. They're saying in Madrid that will happen till the. The super cup in January. Obviously they've got a couple of weeks off now, but that's massive. Massive for Xavi Alonso. So we'll see what happens in January. The one bright spark is Rodrigo.

[D]

He really is playing well since. I mean, which. Which makes it even more baffling the way he was left out in the early days of Jabilon. So not just in La Liga, but also, of course, in the club World Cup.

[E]

Yes, exactly, Exactly. He's been brilliant in recent weeks. And then Thibaut Corsoir has been brilliant, which is not necessarily a good thing when you're saying that he. You know, the goalkeepers coming to the rescue in every game, making some crucial saves. Five saves in that match against Sevilla. So they have got a brilliant goalkeeper, a brilliant forward in Killian Mbappe.

[D]

On this, I would add Bellingham in there. I think he's. Since his injuries come back, he's been seriously impressive. Got another excellent goal. A different kind of golf header. I mean, he can. He can score all sorts of different goals and we know he covers the ground. He's great. Great work ethic. And he's become a massively important player, not. Not just for Real Madrid, but. But for their coach, I think Jabby Alonso. He's a winner.

[E]

Exactly. There's, you know, there's no denying that some brilliant, brilliant players in that Real Madrid team, but it's the same old issue of that they don't play as a team.

[D]

How do you do? I just wonder how you deal with that, though, if you've got. Because the Real Madrid way is Superstars Galacticos, isn't it? That's. That's what they're bought on. Brought up, say with Barcelona, they're more about being a team and being together. I'm talking generally here over the past couple of decades. But Madrid take that route. They go down the Galacticos route. So can they complain when they don't look like they're a team? So it makes it perhaps difficult for a coach. You wonder how they can ever plan to create a team if the person bringing players in only brings superstars in.

[E]

Exactly. When I worked there, it was the BBC, they called it up front. Bale, Benzema, Cristiano.

[D]

Yeah. Yeah.

[E]

They're brilliant. Top, like incredible players and. And they've won three Champions Leagues in a row when I was. When I was working there. But this team has the same.

[D]

They had a midfield. They had a midfield that did make them into a team. Exactly.

[E]

And they. They're missing that, aren't they? They are. They really. Well, we'll see what they do in January, but they really are missing that.

[D]

Yeah. And. And generally nowadays they. They bring in players on. On freeze, don't they? That's been there. So it'd be interesting to see what they. What they plan and plot back.

[E]

He's still playing brilliantly.

[D]

He's still playing well. He is remarkable. I mean, he really is. But on the plus side, it was a victory. And also on the plus side, killing Mbappe. Who's equaled that? Cristiano ron record.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

59 goals in a calendar year.

[E]

Not bad, is it?

[D]

Ronaldo did it 12 years ago in 2013.

[E]

What was your best tally in a calendar year?

[D]

I have no idea. No one. No one took into account calendar years then. But I would imagine it would have been the season of 19. Oh, probably 85, 86. 82. Oh, the calendar year, probably 86.

[E]

And how many.

[D]

I don't. I'm never. I tallied it up, but I scored a lot of goals for. Yeah, but then it wouldn't work because it was two clubs and it has to be for one club in a candy. I think it does. I don't know. So maybe it'd been 85. I don't know. I wouldn't have got close to them. But I scored in the season I scored everton, I scored 40 before I went to Barcelona. Scored obviously quite a few in England, friendlies. And then at Barcelona I scored some. So I don't know. I mean. Yeah, Nothing. Nothing like 59, that's for sure. And you've got to realize in.

[E]

In.

[D]

In the modern age of football, with all the rule changes and the playing surfaces and the way teams play defensively and build out from the back and take so many liberties. The. The. The really great goal scorers, the top goal scorers now score a goal, a game.

[E]

Yes.

[D]

Whereas in my day, it was just a bit better than one game came in two for anybody. So, yeah, Mbappe and Ronaldo, interesting comparison because actually, if you look at the overall things, at the age of 27, Ronaldo had scored 272 goals and provided 106 assists, which is 378 in total, which in 531 games, which is pretty impressive. But listen to this. Mbappe, 410 goals and 170. That's 586 goal contributions in 544 matches. So similar amount of games, but 200 more goals and contributions. Yes, it's remarkable. I don't think anyone yet says publicly on Bape is better than Cristiano Ronaldo.

[E]

No, no. I wonder when they will start saying it. Surely, surely soon, because that's crazy.

[D]

They're a very fair comparisons. It's also important to remember that. That a lot of Ronaldo's early career was played very out wide in Manchester United and he learned his way. Having said that, so did killing Mbappe play out wide for a lot of his early career? So there are obvious comparisons here. They both shifted towards the center once they got to their mid twenties. I know I'll get hammered here from. From Real Madrid fans, but I would say that is a much more reasonable comparison than comparing Ronaldo with Messi, who is on another level, in my humble opinion. Yeah, I mean, don't forget as well, we're talking about a. A record equaling year of 59 goals in the calendar year. Do you know what message was in the calendar year?

[E]

What was it?

[D]

91. 91 goals in the calendar year. I think it was 2011. 2012. 2012.

[E]

Insane. That's insane.

[D]

It was true. I mean, that. That is that. I honestly don't think will be ever be defeated. The only person that could possibly do that, I think would be. Would be Erling Harlan because of the way he's banging him in and the way Man City play. But even then, I. I massively doubt it. I think that's a record for the ages. It really is.

[E]

It really is. But.

[D]

And also Messi does all the other stuff as well. The best pass through the ball we've ever seen, the best dribbler. But I think it's. It's my stance on that as well known where I stand on Lionel Messi.

[E]

But Mbappe obviously idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo as well. I remember that photo when he was little, when he went to train. Zidane invites him to train. He had that photo. I'm sure we can find it. Someone show it.

[D]

He did his celebration, didn't he?

[E]

Yeah, he did a celebration. And after the game, I've got the quote here. He said, I wanted to give him a wink in the celebration. Obviously we've talked a lot. I have my celebration, but I wanted to do it like him, to dedicate it to him. I've got a very good relationship with him.

[D]

That's good celebration. Yeah. I think we all know which one that is. We've seen it a lot of times. I mean, they're two absolutely wonderfully talented players and goal scorers. They really are. I wonder though, and, and I go back to the point about the comparison between him and Ronaldo. And Ronaldo, I don't think many people think that way. Do you think. Think he's undervalued? A little bit underrated almost. I mean, sounds a ridiculous thing to say how great he is, but I honestly don't think. I mean, you think about what he's done as well. He's won a World Cup. He was the superstar of the tournament when he was basically a child. He scored a hat trick in a World cup final, which they went on. They dragged them back into a game they were being murdered in. And. And 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.

[E]

He's not. And last season he was actually blamed for a lot of Real Madrid issues. They pointed the finger at clean Mbappe. Well, you know, it's his fault. He said he. There was one point last season. He missed a penalty back in. It was December, November, December. And he just said he hit rock bottom. And to think that his numbers were insane last season as well. Weren't they for him to say I've hit rock bottom for him to be feeling like that. Definitely.

[D]

I would ask where would Real Madrid be this season without him? Without him, that being big Dooo.

[E]

Yeah, yeah, that is a, a very good point. Very good point. They certainly wouldn't be four points behind Barcelona. Obviously they're. They're still in it. They could still win La Liga, but without Kbappe.

[D]

Absolutely.

[E]

There's no way they'd be in the top four.

[D]

No, I think you're probably right. Okay. Well, I think Kylian Mbappe is one of the greats. And on that note, let's take a break.

[F]

When the holidays start to feel a bit repetitive. Reach for a Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and put your twist on tradition. A bold cranberry and winter spice flavor Fusion Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is a refreshing way to shake things up this sippin season, and only for a limited time. Sprite obey your thirst. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Listening to this podcast Smart move. Being financially savvy. Smart move. Another smart move having State Farm help you create a competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer available amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[D]

This episode is brought to you by McAfee.

[G]

Finish your fantasy lineup?

[I]

No, but I'm joining this paid group chat with insider info.

[D]

Dude, seriously? Forward it to me. Security alert from McAfee.

[G]

That group's as legit as that knockoff jersey you're wearing. McAfee's Scam Detector is available in all McAfee plans for as as long little.

[D]

As $39.99 for your first year. Learn more at McAfee.com Online Protection. Welcome back to the rest Is football La Liga Another good week for Atletico Madrid as they picked up three wins in eight days across all competitions. Alex rounded off with a comfortable 30 victory at Girona on Sunday. They're up. They've got overtaken Vira as I mentioned in the first half. So I presume Eric's yeah, I was concerned.

[E]

I haven't heard from Eric. Oh wait, hold on. He's actually just messaged me. First game away from home in La Liga, we saw Atleti press with five or six players in opponent's half worked against psv. Both teams, PSV and Girona play out from the back. Rarely play a long ball out from defence, so El Cholo made the right call. Great to have Llorente back considering Molina's struggles. Koke with a wonder strike. It was a goal.

[D]

What a goal that was. Absolute beauty.

[E]

Brilliant goal. Nice to see Gallagher get on the score sheet. And Griezmann again. Nothing to object to. Sunday's performance Must be the festive season. But Scrooge will be back.

[D]

I would hope so. He's obviously feeling he's full of the joys of Christmas.

[E]

Yeah, exactly, exactly. It might Just reflecting on the Conor Gallagher. God goal. Maybe deflection. Reflection on the deflection. Maybe one of his last contributions for Atletico. I can see him moving away from the club in. In January. He loves Madrid. He's super happy in Madrid, but he needs to be playing more regularly if he wants to. He's got an outside chance of going to the World Cup. He could still be on the plane to America, but. Doubtful, isn't it?

[D]

Well, we're kind of blessed at the moment with midfield players. It's coming forward place. So do you think he'll come back to England?

[E]

I think so. I think so.

[D]

Spurs are interested, are they? Yeah, it might work for Spurs. Well, he's. He's a worker, isn't. He's up and down. He covers a lot of ground, wins the ball back. He's very good at that.

[E]

Yes.

[D]

And he started really well in Spain. It's just kind of. It's almost as though Cholo.

[E]

Yes, yes. Back to Eric's point of Chel Cholo making. What do you say? Good players, Average and average players. Good. I would say Conor Gallagher is a good player that's probably being made average, athletic.

[D]

Yeah. But he makes average players look good. I'm not quite sure how that works, but. Are you sure that's the right phrase? I'm not sure.

[E]

Definitely the right phrase.

[D]

Yeah, it is.

[E]

It is. Is.

[D]

We need to do the Cocay gold justice because that was a beautiful hit. I mean, he's been around a long time now, hasn't he? Experienced. He's played for Simeone for so many years, but he's. He's always relied on him, hasn't he?

[E]

Yes, yes. Absolute legend. Brilliant goal. Yeah. So good. So good. And. And we can put Griezmann in the same category, can't we? As well. He's really well. He's been excellent this season. We were talking at the start that how was he going to adapt to coming off the bench? You know, a new high scoring every.

[D]

Time he comes on. It's remarkable.

[E]

Exactly. It's working. He's obviously enjoying that role. I think he's probably aware of where his body's at at this stage, and he knows he can't start week in, week out, but he's. He's coming on and he's scoring. He's a. Well, definite.

[D]

Really clever little finish, wasn't it? I mean, he just saw it and just tucked it inside that far post.

[E]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. A clean sheet as well. Clean sheet. Athletico going well?

[D]

Well, they are. And we Also mentioned Thibaut Courtois earlier. But Jan Old Black as well is. I mean, such a brilliant goalkeeper. Made one absolutely sensational in the 23rd minute.

[E]

It was Axel Witzel, wasn't it?

[D]

Great name. I love that name.

[E]

Former Athletic teammate. A brilliant save early on in the game. Another. Another legend, isn't it? He? Yeah. Black. Yeah.

[D]

I mean, they've got some veterans, the three of them. Koke, Griezmann and All Black. That's what, 99 years between them? It's not bad, is it?

[E]

Right, well, before we go, let's have a quick roundup of the other results from the weekend. Real Betis beat his Tafe 4 0. It was a great end to the year for the Andalusian side as an Ito Rubal double alongside goals from former West Ham man Pablo Fornals and Cucho Hernandez gave them a convincing win against mid table Hadafe. That result means Betis end the year in sixth place, the final spot for European qualification next season. Another 40 win for Elche against Rayo Vallecano. Goals from Hector for Alvar Rodriguez, German Valera and Martin Neto gave Elche a thumping victory. The promoter side are up to ninth in La Liga as their impressive season continues. Osasuna beat Alaves 3 0. A late flurry of goals in the final 20 minutes held the Pamplona side to an important win. Krot Ante Budemit scored twice before Raul Garcia rounded off the victory in stoppage time. The win lifts Osasuna up to 12 and three points clear of the relegation zone. A goalless draw between Oviedo and Celta Vigo. It was a missed opportunity for Los Celestes to put pressure on the sides fighting for European football as they couldn't find the breakthrough against an impressive Real Oviedo. It was a good point for Oviedo, but they remain in the relegation zone. Levante drew 10 at home against Real Sociedad. Levante scored a 94th minute penalty to rescue a point against Real Sociedad. Takefusa Kubo had given Sociedad the lead on the stroke of half time, but they couldn't hold on against the team rooted to the bottom of La Liga and another one all draw between Valencia and Mallorca in Friday night's game. Samu Costa gave Los Bermajones the lead, but it was Valencia who dominated the game and got a deserved equalizer through Ugo Duro early in the second half. Couldn't kick on and get a much needed victory though, and are just one point above the relegation places. Your mate, Ugo.

[D]

Yeah, we like Ugoro, one of the great names.

[E]

We need to get one pod.

[D]

Yes, we do. Okay, Alex. Well, have a great Christmas.

[E]

I believe.

[D]

Always. Yeah. I picked my turkey up this morning.

[E]

Big Bird.

[D]

It's a big bird. It's a. Well, not six, six kilograms, Just about nearly.

[E]

Do you like turkey?

[D]

I don't love it, but I'm going to make it as good as possibly can. I'm going to brine it today for a few hours and then leave it unwrapped in the.

[H]

Pav.

[E]

In Spanish, it's turkey Pavo.

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

All the boys with you on Christmas Day?

[D]

Yeah, all the boys. Harry's wife Bella, and my friend jd. So there'd be seven of us.

[E]

So nice.

[D]

We'll. We'll have. We'll have a bit of festive joy. And I don't have to worry about Match of the Day on Boxing Day because I won't be doing it this year.

[E]

No. No La Liga podcast either, because of the winter break.

[D]

That's right. We're going to take a break on this show as well because we'll wait till the football starts. We'll be back with you in January when it gets up and running again. But happy Christmas, everybody.

[E]

Feliz namidados and Dos mil venti says.

[D]

Adios.

[E]

Adios.

[D]

Goodbye from me.

[E]

Goodbye for me. Bye. Bye.

[J]

The Uniswap Wallet makes it easier and safer to own and use crypto. Created by pioneers of the crypto economy, the Uniswap protocol has powered over $3 trillion in trading volume and it's trusted by tens of millions worldwide. With the Uniswap Wallet, you can discover, swap and manage your crypto all from your phone. Buy your first crypto assets in just a few taps and start accepting. Exploring the freedom of decentralized finance with Uniswap. Tap the banner to get started.

[H]

Hello, I'm Professor Hannah Fry.

[I]

And I'm Michael Stevens, creator of Vsauce. We thought we would join you for a moment completely uninvited.

[H]

We are not going to stay too long. Unless you want us to, of course.

[I]

We're here to tell you about our brand new show. The rest is science.

[H]

Every episode is going to start with something that feels initially familiar, and then we're going to unpick it and tear it up apart until you no longer recognize it at all.

[F]

Yeah.

[H]

Banana flavor doesn't taste like bananas.

[F]

Yeah.

[I]

What is that about?

[H]

So it is supposed to taste like an old species of banana that was wiped out in a bananapocalypse. And now you will only find it in botanical collections in the gardens of billionaires.

[D]

Wow.

[I]

Banana Candy is actually the ghost of a long extinct banana.

[H]

So if you like scratching the surface.

[I]

Thinking a little bit deeper or weirder.

[H]

Yes, definitely. That too. You can join Michael and I every Tuesday and Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.