With Ronaldo and Messi reaching the end of their illustrious careers, attention has long been on who will succeed them. After so many stars in recent years, everyone now agrees that Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe is the pair that will dominate world football.
Haaland, 22, is in impressive form at Man City while Mbappe, 24, has long been considered one of the best players in the world.
Inevitably, the pair were asked about their status as heir apparents to Ronaldo and Messi, as well as the prospects of building a competitive relationship with each other. However, the pair showed how different they are with their answers.
When asked earlier this week whether he and Mbappe are the next great rivalry, Haaland told Viaplay: “It’s impossible to say. I don’t like to compare myself to other people. I think you need to be yourself. So I don’t want to compare or anyone”.
“I think the media has done that with Ronaldo and Messi in the last 10 years and I think they are also promoting each other. I think it’s a positive thing. Barcelona and Madrid facing each other. It’s a perfect competition. But to be honest, I don’t think much about this”.
Haaland’s comments seem to suggest he accepts the rivalry with Mbappe as almost inevitable and is prepared for the inevitable comparisons it will bring. However, the French striker gave a different answer when asked about Haaland in an interview with Esquire magazine last year.
Instead of accepting the competition, he seems to disregard the chances of Haaland being able to keep up and compete with him in the long run. “It’s a good start for him,” Mbappe said. “I’m happy for him, for what he’s doing. However, I don’t just play up front, I also play on the left and right wing. To put it modestly, I don’t think anyone can The ability to change positions like this every year and maintain great form at the highest level”.
Since Mbappe made those comments, Haaland has become increasingly stronger under the guidance of Pep Guardiola in the Premier League. Whether the French star likes it or not, comparisons between the pair won’t go away and becoming the next Messi and Ronaldo seems inevitable – even if no one can compare .
