Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid superstar wins the Pichichi trophy; matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s milestone
Real Madrid capped off their disappointing 2025/26 season with a 4-2 win over Athletic Club, a game that was largely about the farewell of Dani Carvajal.
In addition to Carvajal, David Alaba marked his farewell, too, in what was a rather emotional evening for Real Madrid fans overall.
For Kylian Mbappe, it was a special night as well, but for a different reason, as he secured the Pichichi trophy on the night, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s milestone in the process.
Pichichi trophy for Mbappe
The French forward finished the campaign with 25 goals, edging out Vedat Muriqi of Mallorca, who ended on 23.
Ante Budimir of Osasuna was third on 17. Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal both finished on 16.
Apart from goals, Mbappe led La Liga in shots with 63, comfortably ahead of Muriqi on 50 and Vinicius Jr. on 46.
Mbappe matches Ronaldo’s milestone
The Pichichi this season also meant Mbappe is the first player to win the Pichichi in back-to-back seasons since Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mbappe won the award last season with 31 goals and has now followed it up with 25 this campaign, becoming only the latest player to etch his name alongside Ronaldo in the record books.
For a player whose season has been surrounded by controversy and criticism, the back-to-back Pichichi is a reminder of what he is capable of.
The coming season, therefore, will be interesting as Jose Mourinho gets his hands on Mbappe. How well the Portuguese tactician manages both Mbappe and Vinicius could go a long way in dictating Real Madrid’s success.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
