The 2024–25 season has been a forward-heavy one; for instance, Mohamed Salah has dominated the Premier League. Today, though, we’re concentrating on the trio of Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.
All three have demonstrated levels during the season’s highs and lows, and despite the occasional no-show, they are all competing for the 2025 Ballon d’Or alongside Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and others.
On whether he can be compared to the Real Madrid combo, Ealing-born Saka recently said: I believe it’s very opinionated. Everyone, I believe, will have something unique to say.
“I don’t really want to start siting here saying they’re a level above me and stuff like this because that’s not the way I think. Other things will speak for itself, so I just let everyone have their say.
In light of this, GIVEMESPORT has examined the data from each season in great detail. With the assistance of FBRef, they have provided an overview of their performance since the 2024–2025 period began.
Note: Only data from the Champions League and domestic leagues (the Premier League and La Liga) are included.
Comparing Saka, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe’s overall stats
A statistic
Saka
Vincius Jr.
Mbappe
Games
24
35
41
Minutes
1,852
2,869
3,487
Objectives
10.
18
29
Helps
13.
10.
4.
Total score
7.64
7.53
7.53
Finishing Saka and Mbappe both do exceptionally well in this area.
It’s the hardest part of the beautiful game, as some would argue. However, there are a select few football players, including the triumvirate mentioned above, who make it look easy. It’s interesting to note that Saka, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe have all scored 0.7 goals per 90, but Mbappe is the most effective in the box. It’s not absurd to argue that they all have a tendency to send the custodian the wrong way, but the statistics indicate that Mbappe, one of the fastest players in the world,
The France international has the lowest conversion rate of the three, though, which may be because he is frequently Real Madrid’s only center-forward and is therefore far more likely to be in goal-scoring situations.
This is demonstrated by the fact that, in comparison to his teammate Saka, who has 1.9 shots per 90 in 24 Premier League and Champions League appearances, he has had the healthiest total of shots (excluding blocks) and shots on goal.
Comparison of Saka, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe Stats: Final
The statistic (per 90)
Saka
Vinicius Jr.
Mbappe
Objectives
0.7
0.7
0.7
Objectives from the inside out
0.6
0.6
0.7
Rate of conversion (%)
32.57
22.65
20.67
shots (apart from blocks)
1.9
2.6
3.5
Targeted shots
1.4
1.4
2.5
Accuracy of shots (%)
77.2
51.63
71.47
Creation of Chance
Saka clearly bears the creative load for Arsenal.
From the standpoint of chance creation, Mbappe just does not belong in the same league as Saka or even Vinicius. The Englishman, who has 0.6 assists per 90, is far more likely to provide accurate passes than the Real Madrid pair.
All of this is true even though Arsenal hasn’t had a standout striker this season and has usually relied on either Mikel Merino or Kai Havertz. In addition, he makes the most crosses and forward passes (6.5), and he also has the best crossing accuracy (23.44%).
The one-time World Cup champion struggles in this role, as expected given that Mbappe usually ends up on the receiving end of those opportunities. This is demonstrated by his 1.2 attempted crosses per 90, which are interspersed with his 15.18% crossing accuracy.
Compared to Mbappe, Vinicius has higher chance creation numbers. It appears that the Brazilian, who is among the most expensive players in international football, is quite good at finishing his passes. His 31.4 passes indicate that he is the most proactive of the three.
Vinicius and Saka share the top spot in terms of fashioning opportunities. The two have produced 1.9 chances per 90 since the season’s opening match in both their leagues and Europe’s top table, and those figures are predicted to keep climbing.
Comparison of Saka, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe Stats: Creation of Chance
The statistic (per 90)
Saka
Vinicius Jr.
Mbappe
Helps
0.6
0.3
0.2
Opportunities generated
1.9
1.9
1.4
Attempts at passes
30.7
31.4
30.35
Accuracy of passing (%)
82.82
76.79
84.05
Attempts at crosses
6.5
2.4
1.2
Accuracy of crossing (%)
23.44
21.48
15.18
Passes forward
6.5
6.1
5.4
Ownership
Overall, the outcomes were mixed.
Over the years, wide guys have gained notoriety for their ability to beat men, and all three of these men are equally good at it. Nevertheless, it is evident that Vinicius has completed the most take-ons by using his Brazilian ancestry and cunning (2.9).
Mbappe, however, is the key to take-on success. With a rate of 48.1% (as opposed to Saka’s 42.77% and Vinicius’ 41.57%), the 26-year-old also has the most touches in the opposition box and loses possession the least of the three.
This is where Vinicius excels in getting their opponents to commit fouls. As of April 2025, the Flamengo academy graduate has accrued 2.2 fouls per game for Real Madrid, according to 90. Saka (2.1), a quality player for Arsenal, is right behind.
It’s hardly surprising that Saka, who is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top wingers right now, is piling up the most ball recoveries. Saka is frequently seen pressing from the front in Mikel Arteta’s well-practiced style. He prevents defenders from having time to reflect.
Comparison of Saka, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe Stats: Possession
The statistic (per 90)
Saka
Vinicius Jr.
Mbappe
Take-ons finished
1.9
2.9
2.3
Success in taking on (%)
42.77
41.57
48.1
Loss of possession
16.9
18.1
12.2
Fouls prevailed.
2.1
2.2
1.1
Duels prevailed.
5.9
5.9
3.9
Ball recoveries
4.1
3.
1.3
Touches in the opposite box
7.6
8.7
9.1
In conclusion
The two most notable players are Saka and Mbappe.
It ultimately boils down to personal preference, which is why comparisons are so difficult. Saka provides an all-around presence, Mbappe is the powerful finisher any team needs, and Vinicius is a serious threat while dribbling, according to the stats.
However, this season, the latter is not performing as well as the other two. The ability to win a game by the scruff of the neck, regardless of the numbers, is what can set the three apart, and Saka and Mbappe can accomplish it in an instant.
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