Kylian Mbappe in race against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden Shoe
Despite not being able to win three points for their respective teams this weekend, FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and Juventus talisman Cristiano Ronaldo both netted two goals. Their two goals helped their respective teams earn a draw as both Serie A leaders and La Liga leaders were held 3-3 and 2-2 respectively.
While the Argentinian magician became the first player in Europe's top five leagues to score 20 goals or more this season, Cristiano Ronaldo is already the top scorer of Serie A in his first season at Italy. He has also provided eight Serie A assists in 2018/19 for Juventus, which is more than anyone else in his team.
The two modern greats are at their usual best as they continue their decade old rivalry but there is a surprise youngster in the hunt for the Golden Shoe this season. Widely regarded as one of the best talents in world football, Kylian Mbappe completes the three man podium.
According to statistics courtesy of whoscored, Leo Messi (21 goals) of FC Barcelona, Kylian Mbappe (18 goals) of Paris Saint-Germain, Cristiano Ronaldo (17 goals) of Juventus, Mohammed Salah (16 goals) of Liverpool and Edinson Cavani (16 goals) of Paris Saint-Germain are the top five players in the hunt for the Golden Shoe award.
While Cristiano Ronaldo's exploits (2 goals,1 assist) against Parma helped Juventus maintain their unbeaten run in the Serie A, Kylian Mbappe could not help Paris Saint- Germain from suffering their first defeat of the season. As evident, Neymar Jr.'s injury remains a cause of concern for Thomas Tuchel's side but the young Frenchman will be confident to show his abilities in the coming matches.
The young Frenchman has already scored 18 goals with Paris Saint-Germain this season, one more than Cristiano Ronaldo and sits twice in the race for the Golden Shoe. With these two greats already played this weekend, the teenager is yet to feature for Paris Saint-Germain. The World Cup winning youngster could thus catch up on some points behind Ronaldo and Messi before the weekend's action comes to a close.