Highlights: Mbappe hits FOUR as Real win seven-goal thriller
Video credit: TNT Sports
The two forwards would walk into any team around the world after several years of putting in elite performances at the highest level.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at their records in recent years ahead of a crucial encounter in the league phase.
Mbappe shines in front of goal
Traditionally, many have suggested that Mbappe is the better all-around player, and Haaland is the better finisher.
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Highlights: Mbappe hat-trick sees Real swat aside Kairat
Video credit: TNT Sports
According to Opta, the Frenchman has played 80 matches across all competitions since arriving in Madrid, scoring 69 goals in 6579 minutes on the pitch.
Compare that with his Norwegian rival, who has found the back of the net 54 times in 68 outings, or 5693 minutes, during that same period of time.
Dig a little deeper, and the numbers get even more surprising when you realise that Mbappe is massively outperforming his xG (expected goals).
The former Paris Saint-Germain star has an xG of just 59.69, meaning he currently boasts an xG performance of +9.31.
| Last two seasons (all competitions) | Kylian Mbappe | Erling Haaland |
| Games played | 80 | 68 |
| Minutes played | 6579 | 5693 |
| Goals | 69 | 54 |
| Assists | 9 | 8 |
| Goals + Assists | 78 | 62 |
| Total shots | 349 | 249 |
| Shot conversion rate | 19.8% | 21.7% |
| Expected goals (xG) | 59.69 | 56.09 |
| xG performance | +9.31 | -2.09 |
| Chances created | 147 | 52 |
| Minutes per goal | 95 | 105 |
In stark contrast, Haaland could actually expect to have scored more goals since the start of the 2024/25 campaign. He has an xG of 56.09, meaning his xG performance is -2.09.
That leaves Mbappe averaging a goal every 95 minutes, which is a slightly better record than Haaland, who scores once every 105.
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Guardiola explains differences in managing Haaland, Messi and Lewandowski – ‘All three are machines’
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The France international has also created more chances, an incredible 147 compared to the City striker’s 52.
However, Haaland is getting the better of his rival by a few metrics.
Surprisingly, he has more assists per game than the Real Madrid forward, eight in 68 appearances compared to Mbappe’s nine in 80 games.
Haaland also has a shot conversion rate of 21.7%, while Mbappe’s is 19.8%.
Who will win the Ballon d’Or first?
City and Madrid fans expect their side to win the league year in, year out.
However, neither side has been at their absolute best since Mbappe swapped France for Spain.
In order to win a Ballon d’Or, you have to inspire your team to the top titles, as Ousmane Dembele proved this season.
This term, both are sitting second in their respective leagues, though with their form in reverse – Madrid faltering in recent weeks, while City have improved.
So, despite Mbappe’s superior goalscoring record in recent years, either player could still win football’s most coveted individual honour this time around and prove they are the more impactful player.
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