Kylian Mbappé Reflects on Real Madrid Peace as He Nears 100th Champions League Cap

Kylian Mbappé is preparing for a landmark 100th UEFA Champions League appearance with a sense of profound personal and professional satisfaction at Real Madrid. The French forward, now 27, has opened up about finding "more peace" in the Spanish capital while also making a significant off-field move, leaving Nike for a decade-long deal with On. His focus, however, remains fixed on the pitch, where he is part of a generational race to chase down Cristiano Ronaldo's historic scoring record in Europe's premier club competition.

Mbappé Finds His Home in Madrid

In a recent interview, Mbappé reflected on his first two years since joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024. He has registered 94 goals and 14 assists in 110 matches for the club, starting the 2026/27 season with eight goals in seven games. More than the statistics, he emphasised a feeling of belonging. "I have never had a moment here when I felt unhappy," Mbappé said, noting that securing his own home in the city was key. He described the club as giving him "the same feeling as the little boy who dreamed of playing here" and stated a firm belief that playing for Real Madrid is essential for anyone who wants "to be part of football history."

A New Chapter with On Holding

Mbappé's influence extends far beyond the touchline. In a major business shift, he has ended his long-term association with Nike to sign a 10-year partnership with Swiss sportswear brand On Holding. The deal, rumoured before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was confirmed recently. This move immediately triggered clearance sales of his old Nike merchandise, with the 'Kylian Mbappé' Nike Air Max Plus VII colorway now discounted by 42% to $108.97. The partnership signals On's ambitious push into the football market, leveraging one of the sport's most marketable stars.

Chasing Ronaldo's Champions League Crown

As Mbappé approaches his 100th Champions League match, likely against Roma on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, his place among the competition's elite is secure. He currently has 71 goals in the tournament. Yet the ultimate benchmark remains distant: Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 140 goals. The current race is realistically between Mbappé and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who has 59 goals in 59 games. Harry Kane, with 54 goals, is considered out of the running at age 33. Mbappé's journey includes iconic performances, from a breakout goal for Monaco against Manchester City in 2017 to a stunning hat-trick at the Camp Nou and a four-goal haul.

• Kylian Mbappé is on the verge of his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance for Real Madrid against Roma.
• He has left Nike for a landmark 10-year partnership with sportswear brand On Holding.
• In the race to catch Cristiano Ronaldo's 140-goal record, Mbappé's 71 goals put him in direct competition with Erling Haaland.
• Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappé has scored 94 goals in 110 matches across all competitions.

His immediate focus is the Champions League fixture in Rome, a fitting stage for a centurion whose story in the competition is still being written.