The two champions who have marked almost two decades of European football hand over to the young Mbappé and Haaland
It was from the season 2004-2005 that the two icons of the last 15 years of football did not reach at least the quarter-finals together. Since then they have conquered the beauty of 9 Champions League in two and 11 Golden Balls. Messi e Ronaldo, at 33 and 36, they can also afford to take a break from legendary greatness. Also because behind them are already trampling two young people ready to take their place as relentless European bombers: Mbappé e Haaland.
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It is at least complicated, however, to consider two players who are still able to make a difference in the current season. Ronaldo, for example, is the top scorer in the Italian league while Messi started the year by taking part in 21 goals in 2021 (15 goals and 6 assists), more than any player in all competitions among those of the European top-5 leagues. However, if you look at the numbers of Mbappé and Haaland it is quite natural to talk about handover.
The Frenchman crossed the line of 25 Champions League goals at the age of 22 years and 80 days, becoming the youngest to reach it (surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record, 22 years and 286 days), as well as being the first player in the history of Europe’s top club competition to have scored at least four goals against Barcelona in a single season. Haaland has become the youngest and fastest player to score 20 goals in the Champions League: Messi took 40 games and Cristiano Ronaldo even 56, 14 were enough for the Borussia Dortmund striker. a gamble.
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