In the world of football, few players have generated as much excitement and anticipation as Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. These two young superstars have taken the sport by storm with their incredible skill, speed, and goal-scoring prowess. As of today, Haaland and Mbappé are often compared to one another, with fans and analysts debating who is the superior talent. This article provides a comprehensive statistical comparison between Haaland and Mbappé, highlighting their achievements, playing styles, and key metrics.
Early Careers and Breakthrough
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England, began his professional career at Bryne FK in Norway. He quickly moved to Molde FK, where his performances caught the eye of European scouts. Haaland's breakthrough came when he joined Red Bull Salzburg in January 2019. His goal-scoring exploits in the Austrian Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League propelled him to global prominence.
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé, born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, France, began his career at AS Monaco. Mbappé's exceptional speed and dribbling skills earned him a place in Monaco's first team at the age of 16. His breakout season came in 2016-17 when he helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title and reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals. In 2017, Mbappé made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Goal-Scoring Record
One of the most crucial metrics for comparing forwards is their goal-scoring record. Below is a detailed comparison of Haaland and Mbappé's goal-scoring statistics across different competitions.
Club Performance
| Season | Erling Haaland (Goals) | Kylian Mbappé (Goals) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 4 (Molde) | 26 (Monaco) |
| 2017-2018 | 16 (Molde) | 21 (PSG) |
| 2018-2019 | 29 (Salzburg) | 39 (PSG) |
| 2019-2020 | 44 (Salzburg/Dortmund) | 30 (PSG) |
| 2020-2021 | 41 (Dortmund) | 42 (PSG) |
| 2021-2022 | 29 (Dortmund) | 39 (PSG) |
| 2022-2023 | 52 (Man City) | 41 (PSG) |
| 2023-2024 (so far) | 23 (Man City) | 17 (PSG) |
International Performance
| National Team | Erling Haaland (Goals) | Kylian Mbappé (Goals) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Appearances | 27 | 74 |
| Total Goals | 24 | 40 |
| Goals per Game | 0.89 | 0.54 |
Assists and Playmaking
In addition to scoring goals, both players contribute significantly to their teams' overall play through assists and key passes.
Assists in Club Competitions
| Season | Erling Haaland (Assists) | Kylian Mbappé (Assists) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 1 | 11 |
| 2017-2018 | 2 | 15 |
| 2018-2019 | 7 | 17 |
| 2019-2020 | 10 | 19 |
| 2020-2021 | 12 | 11 |
| 2021-2022 | 8 | 17 |
| 2022-2023 | 11 | 14 |
| 2023-2024 (so far) | 6 | 8 |
Assists in International Competitions
| National Team | Erling Haaland (Assists) | Kylian Mbappé (Assists) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assists | 6 | 25 |
| Assists per Game | 0.22 | 0.34 |
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Erling Haaland
- Height: 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
- Playing Style: Haaland is known for his physicality, speed, and clinical finishing. His height and strength make him a formidable aerial threat, while his pace allows him to break through defenses with ease. Haaland's off-the-ball movement and positioning are exceptional, often putting him in the right place at the right time to score.
Kylian Mbappé
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Playing Style: Mbappé is renowned for his explosive speed, dribbling skills, and agility. His ability to accelerate and change direction quickly makes him a nightmare for defenders. Mbappé excels in one-on-one situations and is also known for his intelligent positioning and playmaking abilities.
Awards and Achievements
Erling Haaland
- Bundesliga Player of the Season: 2020-21
- Golden Boy Award: 2020
- UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2020-21
- Norwegian Footballer of the Year: 2020, 2021, 2022
Kylian Mbappé
- FIFA World Cup Winner: 2018
- FIFA World Cup Best Young Player: 2018
- Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22
- Golden Boy Award: 2017
- French Player of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2021
Performance in Major Tournaments
Erling Haaland
Haaland has yet to feature in a major international tournament like the FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship due to Norway's struggles to qualify. However, his performances in the UEFA Champions League have been outstanding, showcasing his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé has already made a significant impact on the international stage. His performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he scored four goals, including one in the final, helped France secure their second world title. Additionally, Mbappé has been instrumental in France's runs in the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League.
The comparison between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé reveals two extraordinary talents who, despite their differences in playing style and physical attributes, are both incredibly effective and influential on the pitch. Haaland's sheer goal-scoring ability and physical presence contrast with Mbappé's speed, dribbling, and playmaking skills.
Summary Table
| Metric | Erling Haaland | Kylian Mbappé |
|---|---|---|
| Club Goals (as of 2023-2024) | 238 | 225 |
| International Goals | 24 | 40 |
| Club Assists | 57 | 112 |
| International Assists | 6 | 25 |
| Major Trophies | Domestic league titles, UCL top scorer | FIFA World Cup, multiple Ligue 1 titles |
As both players continue to develop and reach new heights in their careers, football fans around the world will undoubtedly enjoy watching this exciting rivalry unfold. Whether Haaland's brute force and finishing or Mbappé's finesse and creativity prevail, one thing is certain: both players are set to leave an indelible mark on the history of football.