Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappé: A Comparison of Their Stellar First Seasons at Manchester City and Real Madrid

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé are two of the most exciting young talents in football, and their first seasons with their respective clubs have sparked plenty of discussion. Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City in the summer of 2022 was nothing short of sensational. The Norwegian striker had an immediate impact, scoring an impressive 52 goals in his first season across all competitions. His prolific goal-scoring ability played a massive role in Manchester City’s success that year, with Haaland helping the club secure the Premier League title, FA Cup, and Champions League. Haaland also ended the Premier League campaign as the Top Scorer, further solidifying his status as one of the best strikers in the world. His performance was exceptional, and the numbers speak for themselves: Haaland was a game-changer for City, contributing to their treble-winning season and setting new records along the way.

Kylian Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid, on the other hand, was marked by personal success but limited team achievements. The French forward scored 33 goals in his debut season, which was an impressive return. However, Real Madrid’s collective performance didn’t mirror Mbappé’s individual brilliance. Despite his goal-scoring feats, Real Madrid failed to win La Liga, with their title bid falling short. They also didn’t lift the Copa del Rey, and their Champions League campaign ended in disappointment, as they were knocked out of the competition early. While Mbappé didn’t win the individual La Liga Top Scorer award, his performances were still significant, and he showed that he could lead the line for one of the biggest clubs in the world. But unlike Haaland, who enjoyed immense team success, Mbappé’s individual efforts weren’t enough to secure silverware in his first season.

The key difference between Haaland and Mbappé’s first seasons lies in the balance between individual and team success. Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City brought immediate rewards, with his goals directly contributing to the club's historic treble. In contrast, Mbappé’s performances at Real Madrid were impressive, but they didn’t translate into titles for the team. While Mbappé’s individual brilliance was evident, it highlighted the team’s need to step up, whereas Haaland’s goal-scoring power was part of a much more cohesive team effort. 

Haaland’s first season was arguably the more successful, given the number of trophies he helped City win. But Mbappé’s individual achievements at Real Madrid show that he is already a world-class talent, and with time, he may soon lead his team to similar triumphs. Both players are among the best in the world, and their future at their respective clubs looks incredibly bright.