The French forward is aiming to follow in his idol's footsteps with the La Liga giants but knows he has a long way to go before he can be compared to the Portuguese legend - who scored 450 goals and won four Champions League crowns in his nine-year spell with Real.

In an interview with Movistar, Mbappe said: "Cristiano has always been a role model for me. I'm lucky enough to talk to him, he gives me advice, he's helped me. I think in Madrid he's still the number one. He's the reference point for Real Madrid players, who's done a lot. The fans still dream about Cristiano. But I want to follow my own path."

Mbappe's relationship with Real team-mate Vinicius Jr. has been questioned at times but he insists that he gets on well with the Brazilian.

He said: "Two famous players in the same team - that sells newspapers. But the truth is I have a very good relationship with Vinicius. It's much better this year, because we know each other better."

Mbappe's France side are amongst the favourites heading into next year's World Cup in North America but he considers European champions Spain as serious contenders for the crown.

The superstar - who won the World Cup as a teenager in 2018 - said: "For me, [Spain] are the best team in Europe right now. But the World Cup is different."

Mbappe made a high-profile move from PSG to Real Madrid in 2024 and explained that he is fully settled in the Spanish capital after starting the season in excellent form.

He said last week: "I've adapted well to Madrid, I'm a little more relaxed there.

"This isn't an attack on France. The lifestyle is different, it's less hectic than in Paris. I've managed to get my head and legs back in place."