Kylian Mbappé or Haaland? Thierry Henry Makes a Stunning Choice After the 3-2 Thriller: “I Choose…”

1. SportKylian Mbappé or Haaland? Thierry Henry Makes a Bold Decision After the 3-2 Thriller: “I Choose…” Published 18 hours ago on February 12, 2025 By ENOCH

Thierry Henry, a former French international and Premier League player, has made his preference clear between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland following the dramatic first-leg clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League (2-3).

Once again, Real Madrid and Manchester City played out an exciting Champions League encounter, reminding fans of their previous thrilling meetings. The match was fiercely contested, featuring incredible moments and some costly mistakes, which did not sit well with all, including Wayne Rooney. As expected, both Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland—two of the world’s top forwards—scored, intensifying the ongoing debate over who is superior.

Thierry Henry’s Clear Verdict

Appearing on CBS Sports as a football pundit, Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal striker, made no secret of his choice between the two stars. In his view, Kylian Mbappé is the more complete player compared to Erling Haaland due to his adaptability. “Who would I pick? Mbappé, every time. He provides various options. For a coach, he can play on the right, left, or center,” Henry confidently said.

To further back his point, the former France U-21 coach turned to his fellow pundits Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher—both ex-defenders—asking which striker they would prefer to face. “Can Haaland play anywhere but as a No. 9? Who would you rather defend against?” he inquired. Without hesitation, both Richards and Carragher agreed on Haaland, admitting that his playstyle is more predictable since he is exclusively a center-forward.

Seizing the moment, Henry reinforced his position: “Kylian, in my view, is more talented. He has been trying to play as a No. 9 for around a year and a half. PSG attempted it, but it didn’t work out too well. Now, he’s trying it at Real Madrid, the top club in Europe. He has to adjust.” A bold statement sure to grab the attention of Madrid’s No. 9, who is still thriving under Carlo Ancelotti.

Mbappé’s Remarkable Turnaround

Upon his arrival at Real Madrid last summer, Mbappé initially faced difficulties. Accustomed to dominating the left-wing at PSG, the 26-year-old found it tough to settle into a system that required more positional flexibility. His early Champions League outings—especially against AC Milan and Liverpool—were underwhelming, drawing criticism from football icons. Even Henry, during a CBS Sports show, expressed disappointment over Mbappé’s hesitation to embrace the No. 9 role.

However, things took a turn. Since December, Mbappé has been exceptional, silencing critics with his dazzling performances. In key moments when Real Madrid struggled, he stepped up, providing crucial performances—none more impressive than his masterclass in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona. Now, he is Madrid’s leading scorer in La Liga, playing with newfound confidence and leadership.

From Struggles to Ballon d’Or Contender

Mbappé’s resurgence is proof of his determination. Once heavily criticized, he has now established himself as the focal point at Real Madrid, showing he can succeed in any system. More than just a goalscorer, he has adjusted to the tactical needs of Ancelotti’s squad while maintaining his dynamic style.

This recovery puts him in a prime position for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. If he continues this level of play and helps Madrid secure more trophies, the prestigious award could finally be his. At 26, he is entering his prime, and the football world is witnessing a player who is constantly evolving.

Haaland’s Limitations in the Debate

Although Erling Haaland remains one of football’s most lethal strikers, his style of play is more one-dimensional. His main strength is finishing—where he is nearly unrivaled—but he lacks the versatility Mbappé brings. The Norwegian excels in a system that caters to his strengths, while Mbappé has shown the ability to adapt, whether in Ligue 1, La Liga, or on the international stage.

Henry’s comments highlight a key point in modern football: adaptability matters. Haaland may be a prolific goal scorer, but Mbappé’s ability to influence various aspects of the game—whether through dribbling, playmaking, or switching positions—gives him the upper hand in Henry’s view.

The Tactical Flexibility Argument

In today’s tactical environment, coaches prefer forwards who can play multiple roles. Mbappé’s ability to move wide, cut inside, or even play as a false nine makes him a manager’s ideal player. Haaland, on the other hand, is a pure striker who depends on service. This difference is what ultimately persuaded Henry to favor Mbappé.

Looking ahead, both players will continue to be central figures in the discussion about the world’s best. But according to Henry, Mbappé has already come out on top—at least for the moment.

The Season’s Final Decision

As the Champions League knockout rounds heat up, both players have the chance to further showcase their talents. Haaland will aim to help Manchester City achieve back-to-back European titles, while Mbappé will be working to secure Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League trophy. How they perform in these high-stakes games could shape their legacies as two of this era’s greatest forwards.

The Debate Continues

Despite Henry’s firm opinion, the Mbappé vs. Haaland debate remains unresolved. Football is a constantly evolving sport, and perceptions can shift with every significant match. One thing is clear: both players are generational talents, and their rivalry will shape the football world for years to come.

Whether fans favor Mbappé’s flair and adaptability or Haaland’s raw goal-scoring power, they can only sit back and relish the spectacle these two stars continue to deliver.