Haaland, Kane, and Mbappe vie for the title of Europes top forward
Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe are finding the back of the net at rates exceeding one goal per match in a stunning beginning to the campaign for Europes leading three forwards.
With Champions League matches resuming this week, these players are already vying for the leading scorer spot in the tournament and setting the pace in the race for next years Ballon dOr during the World Cup year.
AFP Sports examines the remarkable figures these three forwards are achieving for their clubs and national teams.
Erling Haaland (Man City and Norway)
Haaland tops the charts with 23 goals across 13 appearances, pulling Manchester City back into the Premier League title race and positioning Norway close to their first World Cup qualification since 1998.
Haaland has missed the target in just one game this term and has scored in each of his previous 11 outings.
The 25 year old netted a brace against Everton at the weekend to reach 11 Premier League goals this season.
Haaland holds the record for the three fastest instances of any Premier League player hitting 10 goals in a campaign, achieving it in six games in 2022 and five matches the following season.
"If you are designing from the ground up the perfect central striker, consider Haaland," commented Alan Shearer, the Premier Leagues record goalscorer.
"He combines goals with speed, power, aerial ability, and resilience. He handles physical challenges without issue and thrives without needing constant possession. He is nearly ideal."
In the past, critics in his native Norway have doubted his ability to match his club scoring prowess internationally.
Such concerns have vanished as Haaland has bagged 12 goals in six qualifying games, guiding a talented Norwegian side towards their debut major tournament.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England)
Kane nodded home his 22nd goal of the term to steer Bayern towards success in the Klassiker clash with Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.
The England skipper has three goals from three internationals as the Three Lions secured World Cup qualification as the first European side, maintaining a perfect record over six qualifiers.
Since moving from England to Bayern in 2023, Kane has posted extraordinary totals, although it was not until his second year that he finally lifted silverware after a prolonged drought.
The 32 year old has 104 goals in 107 outings for the Bavarian club, with 19 strikes in 11 club games so far this season.
Bayern appear poised to retain their Bundesliga crown, heightening the importance of a maiden Champions League triumph for Kane.
He has found the net four times in triumphs against Chelsea and Pafos to kick off their European campaign and anticipates further contributions when Club Brugge travels to Munich on Wednesday.
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid and France)
Mbappes challenging initial period after his eagerly awaited transfer from Paris Saint Germain last year is now a distant memory in Madrid.
The French star tallied 44 goals in 59 matches in all competitions during his debut season and settled into the role of central forward under Carlo Ancelotti.
Xabi Alonso has preserved Mbappes central role, and the 26 year old has emerged as Madrids pivotal figure in the seasons early stages.
Blazing fast, deft on the ball, and deadly from long range, Mbappe has 15 goals in 11 fixtures combining La Liga and Champions League action.
He leads the La Liga scoring charts with 10 goals and has struck five times in only two Champions League games.
Mbappe has also scored three times in three outings for France this season.
In just one of his 14 appearances for club and country this term has Mbappe gone goalless, and he has scored in 11 straight matches.
Mbappe has claimed his leagues top scorer honour in each of the past seven campaigns, six with PSG and now in his inaugural season at Real Madrid.