In the last year, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have both been asked about their rivalry, with many predicting they will be the next Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The focus has long since shifted to who will succeed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who is nearing the conclusion of their illustrious careers.
The broad perception has now landed on Erling Haaland vs. Kylian Mbappe as the next goalscoring battle to rule international football after a number of candidates in previous years.
While Mbappe, 24, has long been recognized as one of the finest, Haaland, 22, has been on fire for Manchester City.
The two have unavoidably been questioned about their position as Ronaldo and Messi's obvious heirs as well as the possibility of their becoming friends. However, the reactions from the two have demonstrated how they are different.
Asked earlier this week about whether Haaland vs Mbappe will be the next big rivalry, Haaland told Viaplay:
It's impossible to say. I don't like to compare myself with others. I think you need to be your own player when it comes to that so I don't like to compare or anything with that.
I think the media has been doing that with Ronaldo and Messi for the last 10 years and I think they've been pushing each other as well. I think it's been a positive thing.
Barcelona and Madrid against each other. It's been the perfect rivalry. But I don't think about this, honestly.
Haaland's comments appear to indicate he accepts the rivalry with Mbappe is almost inevitable and is prepared for the inevitable comparisons it will bring.
However, the Frenchman gave a different response when asked about Haaland in an interview with Esquire magazine last year.
Instead of embracing the rivalry, he seemed to downplay the chances of Haaland being able to keep pace and compete with him in the long run.
It's the beginning for him, Mbappe said. I'm happy for him, for what he's doing. However, I didn't just play up front, I played left and right.
In all modesty, I don't think anyone is capable of changing a position like that every year and maintaining a great performance at the highest level.
Under Pep Guardiola's leadership in the Premier League, Haaland has only improved since Mbappe made those remarks.