Football is always producing world-class players, but only a few go head to head and keep entertaining for years to come. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are two world-class players and currently two of the biggest stars in football. Mbappé won the World Cup with France at the age of 19 and reached the World Cup final in 2022, eventually losing it to Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Haaland Manchester City’s strike force upfront won the European Treble in 2023, ending up as the top scorer of the season with 52 goals in 53 games. Mbappé vs Haaland: Will this Rivalry shape the future of football?

Why is this rivalry considered the new Messi vs. Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Saudi Arabia at the start of 2023 signalled the end of an era: a termination of the great rivalry between the Portuguese and Lionel Messi that has shaped the UEFA Champions League over 15 years.. Now, when both of them are playing in different corners of the earth and almost at the end of their careers, Europe needs the next big superstars to define the next generation of football. Mbappé, who was already shining at PSG and AS Monaco, and Haaland, who made a name for himself playing for Borussia Dortmund, became the faces of the new generation.

Now Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are the new heavyweights, the two having taken the Champions League by storm since they made their competition debuts in 2016 and 2019, respectively, rewriting the record books right from the off.

Mbappé and Haaland have met three times in the Champions League, the first in the 2019/20 round of 16. Two Haaland goals inspired Dortmund to a 2-1 victory over Paris. Haaland was frustrated in the return leg, though, as Paris stormed back to win the tie 3-2 on aggregate. Mbappé, who had a knock, came on as a late substitute to see the game out and lead the celebrations.

The Frenchman was also celebrating when the pair renewed acquaintances in the 2024/25 knockout phase playoffs. Two Haaland goals twice gave Manchester City the lead in the first leg, but Mbappé canceled out the first, and Madrid came back to snatch a 3-2 victory in England. Haaland was an unused substitute in the return when Mbappé hit his third Champions League hat-trick to inspire a 3-1 Madrid win.

Mbappé vs Haaland: Playing Style

The playing style of a player is the different set of skills and attributes a player shows in a match or uses it on a regular basis. Both Haaland and Mbappé play in the attacking role but both of them have different skillset and playing styles:

Mbappé’s Playing Style:

Mbappé possesses a unique set of skills that set him apart from his peers. His electrifying bursts of pace, combined with his precise ball control and clinical finishing, make him one of the most exciting players to watch on the global football stage.

One of the defining characteristics of Mbappé’s playing style is his incredible acceleration. When he sets off on a sprint, he seems to leave defenders behind in an instant. His acceleration off the mark is unparalleled, allowing him to gain a significant advantage over opponents within the first few steps.

Mbappé’s speed is complemented by his exceptional dribbling skills. He navigates the field with a combination of finesse and confidence, effortlessly gliding past defenders.

Despite his remarkable speed, Mbappé’s playing style is also marked by intelligent decision-making. He possesses the ability to read the game and time his runs to perfection. Whether it’s exploiting gaps in the defense, making well-timed off-the-ball movements, or finding the right moment to release a pass, Mbappé’s awareness on the field is a key component of his effectiveness.

Mbappé’s speed isn’t limited to just getting past defenders; it’s also a crucial asset in front of goal. His clinical finishing is a result of his ability to maintain composure even under pressure. He combines his speed with precision, placing shots with accuracy and power. 

Haaland’s Playing Style:

Haaland’s physical presence and goal-scoring instincts are extraordinary, but it’s his adaptability and ability to affect all areas of the game.

Haaland’s goal-scoring stats speak for themselves. In a world where many strikers are expected to be more than just finishers, Haaland is a perfect balance of modernity and tradition. His ability to score from almost any position on the field, whether it’s a header, a powerful strike, or a quick reaction, makes him a striker that every team covets.

Unlike traditional strikers who may not be the fastest or the most physical, Haaland’s combination of pace and strength gives him the ability to outmaneuver defenders and strike from almost any position. His off-the-ball movement is second to none, allowing him to make runs that break down defenses. With his rapid acceleration and towering height, he is a nightmare for defenders, making him a versatile and unpredictable forward.

Mbappé vs Haaland: Club Careers & Achievements

No matter how great a player is on the pitch, his greatness will always will be measured by the amount of trophies won by him for his club and country.

Mbappé’s journey: Monaco, PSG, Real Madrid

Kylian’s footballing talent was evident from a very young age, and he quickly gained a reputation as a prodigious young talent. Mbappé began his career with the local club AS Bondy before making a move to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in 2013. There, he made his professional debut at the young age of 16.

The Frenchman swiftly made a mark with the southern French club. His lightning-quick pace (he has been measured as fast as 38 km/h) and goal-scoring ability played a pivotal role in Monaco’s unlikely Ligue 1 title triumph in 2017 and their journey to the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

In August 2017, Mbappé attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid. However, he opted to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on an initial loan deal, which later became a permanent transfer for a reported fee of €180 million, making him the second most expensive player in the history of the sport.

At PSG, the striker continued to excel and break records. He earned multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards and became the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer, surpassing legends like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, and Pedro Pauleta.

In the summer of 2022, as Mbappé’s contract with PSG neared its expiration, he came close to joining European giants Real Madrid. However, in the closing days of the transfer window, he pledged his future to PSG and signed a new contract, reaffirming his connection with the French fans.

In the summer of 2024, Mbappé joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, finally completing this transfer saga.

Haaland’s rise: Molde, Salzburg, Dortmund, Manchester City.

On 19 August 2018, Austrian Bundesliga champions Red Bull Salzburg announced that Haaland would join the club on 1 January 2019, signing a five-year contract. He made his debut for the club on 17 February, the 2018–19 Austrian Cup quarter-finals against Wiener Neustädter, and scored his first goal on 12 May in the Austrian Bundesliga 2–1 win over LASK.

Despite being a reported target of Manchester United and Juventus, Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund confirmed the signing of Haaland on 29 December 2019, three days before the winter transfer window opened, for a fee reported to be in the region of €20 million, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.

On 10 May 2022, Premier League club Manchester City announced they had reached a deal to sign Haaland after activating his €60 million release clause. The deal was formalised on 13 June, with City confirming that Haaland would be joining the club on 1 July on a five-year contract. He made his competitive debut on 30 July, playing 90 minutes of a 3–1 defeat to Liverpool in the 2022 FA Community Shield.

Mbappé vs Haaland: Major trophies, league titles, individual records.

Haaland:

• European Golden Shoe 2022/23
• Gerd Muller Trophy 2023
• Premier League Player of the Season 2022/23
• Premier League Young Player of the Season 2022/23
• Premier League Golden Boot 2022/23
• PFA Players’ Player of the Year 2022/23
• PFA Team of the Year 2022/23
• Champions League Team of the Season 2022/23
• Manchester City Player of the Season 2022/23

Mbappé:

• French Ligue 1 Champion x6: 2017 (Monaco), 2018 (PSG), 2019 (PSG), 2020 (PSG), 2022 (PSG), 2023 (PSG)
• French National Cup x3: 2018 (PSG), 2020 (PSG), 2021 (PSG)
• French League Cup x2: 2018 (PSG), 2020 (PSG)
• French Community Shield x4: 2019 (PSG), 2020 (PSG), 2021 (PSG), 2023 (PSG)
• French Ligue 1 Player of the Year x4: 2019 (PSG), 2021(PSG), 2022 (PSG), 2023 (PSG)
• French Ligue 1 Top Scorer x5: 2019 (33 goals – PSG), 2020 (18 – PSG), 2021 (27 – PSG), 2022 (28 – PSG) and 2023 (29 – PSG)
• French Ligue 1 Top Assist 2022: (17 Assists – PSG)

Mbappé vs Haaland: International Success

Haaland:

Haaland does not have any major achievements with Norway, as they failed to qualify for the Euros last year.

Mbappé:

• FIFA World Cup 2018 winner
• UEFA Nations League 2021 winner
• FIFA World Cup 2018 Best Young Player Award
• UEFA Nations League 2021 Top Scorer: 2 Goals
• UEFA Nations League 2021 Top Assist: 2 Assists

Mbappé vs Haaland: Statistical Comparison

Mbappé has played 495 games for club and country, scoring 359 goals and 140 assists. He has an average of 0.73 goals and 0.28 assists per game.

Meanwhile, Haaland has played 357 games for club and country, scoring 291 goals and 55 assists. Most of the goals and assists are a part of his club career; he holds an average of 0.82 goals and 0.15 assists per game.

Here’s a detailed statistical comparison of Mbappé and Haaland for the 2023/24 season.

Potential Ballon d’Or winner

Ballon d’Or is the biggest football award given to a single individual for his performance in a season. Messi has won it a record 8 times, and Ronaldo has won it 5 times, which plays as a factor in defining the Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry.

Both Haaland and Mbappé have not won a Ballon d’Or yet. Haaland came close in 2023 when he won the treble with Manchester City, having an incredible season, but eventually lost to Lionel Messi, who won the World Cup in 2022.

My prediction is that both of them have the potential to win the Ballon d’Or, but I will be biased towards Mbappé because it’s in the history of Madrid to produce Ballon d’Or winners.

Can they reach the levels of Messi vs. Ronaldo?

Messi and Ronaldo went head-to-head for over 15 years. For this rivalry to reach its level, both will have to perform inhumanely season after season. Both are playing for the top clubs in Europe and perform at the top level week in, week out.
It’s not for me to decide if this rivalry will match the Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry; let me know in the comments if this rivalry will reach new highs.