“I would rather” – Gianluigi Donnarumma picks between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed who he would rather have in his team between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Donnarumma has quickly established himself as a popular figure within Pep Guardiola’s squad on and off the pitch. The Italian has already spoken at length about his admiration for “Mr Guardiola” and the high standards demanded across the club’s environment, and has now opened up on his unique friendship with Erling Haaland .

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Donnarumma’s connection with Haaland has been prevalent. Both are seen as elite-level professionals at the peak of their powers, with the Norwegian’s unmatched scoring instincts complemented by the Italian’s reflexes and presence between the posts.

It comes at a time when both players find themselves on opposite sides of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign; Erling Haaland leading Norway’s charge, and Gianluigi Donnarumma captaining Italy through a turbulent group.

The two nations are set to meet again in decisive fixtures later this year, potentially shaping the fate of both countries’ tournament hopes, and speaking during an exclusive interview with MailSport’s Ian Ladyman , Donnarumma was quizzed on his rather unlikely friendship with Haaland.

“When a friendship becomes so strong, it can’t be explained, and the impact between us was very positive. I’d say we just got on well immediately,” Donnarumma revealed.

The Italian international continued on his now-teammate at Manchester City , “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 [Norway] are in a better situation than us now [in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification], 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.”

Further speaking on the best forwards in world football, Donnarumma was questioned on Haaland’s battle for the title of number one striker in the game against the likes of Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.

“I think Erling [Haaland] does,” Donnarumma said in response, when specifically asked about who has the superior shot power among the aforementioned names.

“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.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s comments not only underline the bond within Manchester City’s star-studded squad but also reinforce the respect Erling Haaland commands among his teammates.

The Norwegian striker, who continues to be central to Pep Guardiola’s silverware ambitions, has already earned admiration from analysts such as Jamie Carragher, who recently described him as the Premier League’s biggest single threat to Arsenal’s crown hopes.

Looking ahead, City fans will be intrigued to see how the relationship between Donnarumma and Haaland evolves both on the training pitch and in competitive fixtures. The pair’s mutual understanding could prove crucial as Guardiola aims to re-establish domestic dominance and make another deep run in Europe, with Haaland’s goals and Donnarumma’s saves forming the new spine of City’s latest evolution.

If the duo continue to strengthen their chemistry, Manchester City may well be witnessing the emergence of another iconic partnership in the club’s modern era, and one that drives them towards an immediate reclaiming of silverware after a torrid previous season.