Footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo may have won countless accolades, but there’s one opinion he’s yet to win over—his own five-year-old son, Mateo. The Al Nassr superstar recently revealed that Mateo believes Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is the superior player, a sentiment that has sparked both humor and discussion among football fans.

Ronaldo, who scored twice over the weekend to move to the top of the Saudi Pro League goal-scoring charts, shared the amusing exchange during an interview with La Sexta.

"Mateo really likes Mbappé," Ronaldo admitted. "He sometimes tells me: ‘Hey dad, Mbappé is better than you,’ and I reply by saying: ‘No, I am better than him, I have scored more goals.’”

It’s a lighthearted yet fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest footballers of all time—who, even at 39, remains fiercely competitive, even in casual conversations at home.

Mbappé: The New Generation’s Idol?

While Ronaldo’s record-breaking career has cemented him as a legend, there’s no denying that Mbappé is emerging as the face of modern football. The French captain has long admired Ronaldo, often expressing how he grew up idolizing the Portuguese star. Now, he is forging his own legacy at Real Madrid, a club where Ronaldo left an indelible mark.

Mbappé’s recent hat trick against Real Valladolid took his La Liga tally to 15 goals, placing him second in the race for the Pichichi trophy behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski. His seamless transition to life at the Bernabéu has only fueled comparisons between the two stars, leading many to wonder if he will eventually surpass Ronaldo’s legendary status.

The Ronaldo vs. Mbappé Debate: A Matter of Generations

Ronaldo's dominance over the last two decades has seen him score a record 450 goals for Real Madrid, winning multiple Champions League titles and Ballon d’Or awards. But in football, time never stands still. As one legend begins the latter stages of his career, another emerges to take center stage.

Mateo Ronaldo’s preference for Mbappé reflects a generational shift in football fandom. Younger fans who didn’t witness Ronaldo’s prime years firsthand are now growing up watching players like Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham. Naturally, their allegiances will lean toward the stars they see dominating today.

For Ronaldo, the father-son debate is all in good fun, but it also highlights the natural evolution of football heroes. While Mbappé may be the new golden boy, Ronaldo’s legacy remains unparalleled—at least for now.