Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe? Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma reveals which striker has the hardest shot

Manchester City goalkeeper Donnarumma has weighed in on the long-running comparison between Mbappe and Haaland. The Italy international has played alongside both — teaming up with the Frenchman during his time at Paris Saint-Germain and now sharing the pitch with the towering Norwegian at Manchester City. Speaking in a recent interview with the Daily Mail, the 25-year-old offered his take on which of the two global icons has the hardest shot in football, siding firmly with the Norwegian forward.

In the ongoing Mbappe versus Haaland debate, the statistics only add to the intrigue. Mbappe’s seniority means he leads overall numbers, boasting roughly 395 goals and 147 assists in 532 appearances — compared to Haaland’s 325 goals and 59 assists in around 385 games. Yet Haaland’s efficiency is unmatched: he averages 0.84 goals per game and finds the net every 88 minutes, narrowly edging Mbappe’s 0.74 goals per game and 104-minute average.

“I think Erling does [have the hardest shot],” Donnarumma told the Daily Mail. “He is left-footed so he is different from Kylian (Mbappe). They are both hard to play against. So it’s complicated. But I would rather have Erling playing for my side.”

Donnarumma also opened up about his close friendship with Haaland, forged since his summer move to the Etihad Stadium. “I’d say we just got on well immediately,” he continued. “We have always respected each other, even before we met. We make a lot of banter about playing against each other in the national teams. I’d say they are in a better situation than us now, they have much more peace of mind. But there are still two games left to play. It will be difficult to face each other, as it will be difficult to play against him. I know how strong he is and what chances he can create. It will be hard to face him both as a player and as a friend.”

Donnarumma’s comments carry authority given his unique career path, having lined up behind both Mbappe and Haaland — two players tipped to dominate football’s next decade just as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did for nearly 15 years. The Italian played 105 games with Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain after joining the French giants in 2021, helping them to three Ligue 1 titles before the Frenchman moved to Real Madrid in 2024. Donnarumma himself then left PSG a year later, signing for Manchester City in a £26 million deal after helping the Parisians win the Champions League as part of a historic treble.

Since his arrival at the Etihad, the former AC Milan star has been a key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, seamlessly replacing Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. Donnarumma is yet to taste defeat in a City shirt and has quickly built chemistry with Haaland, whose goal-scoring feats continue to astonish. The Norwegian striker has netted 15 times in 11 appearances this season, scoring in nine consecutive matches, and remains the Premier League’s most lethal finisher.

Donnarumma’s verdict may not settle the argument once and for all, but it offers insight from a man uniquely placed to judge — one who has guarded the goal against and alongside both. As football’s next great rivalry continues to unfold, fans can at least be certain of one thing: whether it’s Haaland’s ferocity or Mbappe’s finesse, the future of the game remains in extraordinary hands.

While Donnarumma and Haaland continue to chase silverware together at Manchester City, their friendship will soon be tested on international duty. Italy are set to host Norway in a crucial World Cup qualifier next month, pitting the pair against each other in a matchup that blends camaraderie with fierce national pride. For Donnarumma, facing one of the world’s most dangerous finishers — and a close friend — will be a moment of both challenge and respect.