His four goals against Olympiacos on Wednesday, including one of the fastest hat-tricks in Champions League history, further underlined why he has been regarded as the most in-form goalscorer in world football this season.

Mbappe has led Real Madrid's attack with remarkable consistency. By late November, he has scored more than half of the team's total goals across all competitions and has built commanding leads at the top of both the La Liga and Champions League scoring charts. His performances have repeatedly driven Madrid through matches, and his goals have been central to the club's strong start to the campaign.

His influence has impressed legendary figures associated with the club, including former striker Hugo Sanchez, who has spoken openly about how Mbappe's form has transformed Madrid's frontline.

Speaking to Cadena SER, the Mexican icon said Mbappe has developed into exactly the player supporters hoped for.

"Mbappe is in a tremendous moment, he is no longer as shy as he arrived," Sanchez said. "He has that charisma of a leader and is scoring like the Mbappe that all the people were waiting for."

Sanchez, who is widely regarded as one of Real Madrid's greatest finishers, also praised the forward's ability to take responsibility in the team's attack. Asked whether Mbappe might one day be considered among the club's finest goalscorers, he stressed that great players shine in different eras but made clear that the Frenchman has been operating at a rare level.

He also spoke about how Mbappe reflects the evolution of the modern attacker. "It is fashionable not to be a centre-forward. More and more are being incorporated from the wing, as Cristiano Ronaldo did," he said.

"Mbappe is one of those modern forwards who are seen more and more, because there are fewer 'post forwards'. Perhaps Lewandowski is one of the exceptions."

Sanchez went on to highlight how forwards now must contribute far more without the ball. "In today's football, you have to help defend and make them uncomfortable in your own way. I remember that I constantly pressured the goalkeepers to get nervous," he said.

But the message from the Madrid legend was unmistakable: Mbappe's current form has been extraordinary. With the Frenchman scoring at a rate unmatched in Spain or Europe, the praise continues to grow, and so does his influence on every Real Madrid performance.

Dates and times for CAF Champions League semi-finals confirmed