World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe’s empire is built on footballing brilliance, blockbuster deals and headline-making controversies

In a crucial week in Real Madrid’s season, Kylian Mbappe stepped up to the plate. The 26-year-old scored on his derby debut against Atletico Madrid — he had missed this season’s first meeting between the city rivals in September with a thigh injury — and played a key role as Carlo Ancelotti’s team pushed for a winner at the Bernabeu.

After a 1-1 draw in the Madrid Derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, Real Madrid will maintain a slim one-point lead atop La Liga. A controversial penalty that Julian Alvarez buried for his 17th goal in all competitions in the first half was canceled out by Kylian Mbappe's first goal in this rivalry in the second half.