Who is Better: Haaland or Mbappé?

Sam Cooper

Haaland vs Mbappé is this generation’s Messi vs Ronaldo debate.

Two forwards, two very different playstyles, both with staggering goal records and trophy cabinets.

But who is better?

Finishing: Haaland

Haaland is quite simply the best finisher in the world, and one of the best of all time. An inch of space is all he needs, finishing chances with ruthless efficiency. Mbappé has a wider arsenal of goalscoring traits, but from a pure finishing perspective, Haaland is clear.

Long Shots: Mbappé

Mbappé carries a greater threat from shots at distance, and is more often in a suitable position compared to Haaland who is at his best within the box.

Dribbling: Mbappé

Possibly the greatest divide between the two players. Haaland is an effective dribbler, often using his physicality and pace to cause issues, but Mbappé can glide past defenders with ease. His acceleration and close control make him a cheat code with the ball at his feet.

Weak Foot: Mbappé

Both players can finish with either foot, but Mbappé is more comfortable using his weak foot, often using this two-footedness to sow doubt into whether he will cut inside or out.

Pace: Mbappé

Over the short distances often covered in football, Mbappé’s explosion is unmatched. Haaland might match or beat him over a longer stride, but the Frenchman reaches his top speed quicker and can use this pace in a wider variety of situations. Haaland is certainly no slouch though.

Passing: Mbappé

The Real Madrid forward has evolved the playmaking side of his game, now often slipping tight passes through and combining well with teammates on the edge of the box. Haaland’s linkup play is better than most give him credit for, but he isn’t a world class creator.

Defending: Haaland

Neither are going to win a Ballon d’Or for their defensive work, but Haaland contributes more both in the first line of the press and when called upon to defend set pieces in the box. His physicality and reading of the ball in the air make him a defensive asset, as does his game intelligence in when to commit to the press.

Physicality: Haaland

This one isn’t even close. Haaland is among the most physically impressive of professional footballers currently playing. His combination of power, agility and athleticism enables him to cause any number of problems to defenders. Often, Haaland is quicker, stronger and more agile than the centre-back tasked with marking him.

Heading: Haaland

Aerial dominance is one of Haaland’s greatest strengths. His leap, timing and reading of a cross make him a natural target. Mbappé has scored a handful of headers in his career, but it is certainly not a strength.

Football IQ: Tie

Different kinds of football intelligence, both elite.

Mbappé possesses an exceptional understanding of how to exploit a defensive line using his explosive skillset. He knows when to drift inside and when to hold width.

Haaland’s movement within the box is unparalleled, and he is rarely offside. His ability to read rebounds, be first to a second ball and to be in the right place for a tap-in is a goalscorer’s intuition that is impossible to teach.

Leadership: Tie

Neither fit the traditional mould of a captain, but both are senior, respected figures within their dressing rooms and deliver when it matters most; the sign of a true leader.

Clutch Moments: Mbappé

From World Cups to Champions League nights, Mbappé has already delivered under the bright lights multiple times. Haaland has delivered in big games too, but it is the Frenchman who has repeatedly done it on the biggest occasions.