Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has spoken about whether he and Kylian Mbappe will take over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as football's next big rivalry.
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With both the Argentine and the Portuguese superstars playing their football outside of Europe this season for the first time since they arrived on the scene, many believe Haaland and Mbappe will produce the game's next great rivalry.
The City forward has proved himself to be one of the world's elite goalscorers, having netted 193 times so far in his club career, while Mbappe has widely been considered among the sport's best players since 2018.
The Paris Saint-Germain No. 7 has scored 244 goals to date and has already starred at two FIFA World Cups for France.
Speaking in a recent interview, Haaland was asked if he and Mbappe will pick up from where Messi and Ronaldo left off.
"That's what everyone thinks, but you have to emphasise just how crazy the things Messi and Cristiano have done," he told France Football, the organisers of the Ballon d'Or award.
"You also have to remember that they're still doing it, even if they're getting older. They're still fantastic players.
"But I never talk about myself being against other players, it's not my way of seeing things.
"I focus on myself, I only try to be better every day, to continue enjoying what I do and being the best version of myself."
Haaland is thought to be among the frontrunners for the 2023 Ballon d'Or along with Messi, while Mbappe is considered to have an outside chance following his exploits for France and PSG last season.
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The Norwegian, however, is a strong favourite after he helped the Citizens win the treble in the 2022/23 campaign and won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year prize in August.
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