Austria’s head coach, Ralf Rangnick, has stirred up a debate by declaring that Erling Haaland of Manchester City has overtaken Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid as the world’s top striker. Rangnick’s assertion is backed by Haaland’s stellar start to the 2024-25 season, where he netted seven goals in just three Premier League matches and scored 38 goals in 45 appearances last season.
In contrast, Mbappe has faced criticism for his underwhelming performances at Euro 2024 with France and a slow start in La Liga. Speaking before Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria in the UEFA Nations League, Rangnick said, “A few months ago, I would have said Haaland and Mbappe were the best strikers in the world. Right now, Haaland is at the top, largely because Mbappe isn’t in his best form.”
Rangnick praised Haaland’s attributes, noting that the Norwegian striker’s speed, agility, and jumping power are exceptional for his size.
On the other hand, Real Madrid has been pleasantly surprised by Mbappe’s unique contributions since his summer transfer from PSG. Despite a rocky start—scoring on his UEFA Super Cup debut but struggling in the league—Mbappe proved his potential with a standout performance against Real Betis in La Liga, where he scored twice.
A Real Madrid source mentioned that Mbappe’s transition to Spain has been as expected, given the team’s overhaul. While his start hasn’t been flawless, it’s far from alarming.
The source told The Athletic, “It’s not been as perfect as some reports suggested, but it’s not a disaster either. Mbappe is adjusting to a new team and finding his role within it.”
