“Mbappe’s Missed Opportunity: Losing Out on a World-Class Mega Contract to Rival Haaland”
In a recent development, game developer EA Sports has announced that striker Erling Haaland will be featured on the cover of their upcoming release, EA Sports FC 24. EA Sports FC 24 is the successor to FIFA 23, the world’s top football simulation game.
Haaland’s Appearance on EA Sports FC 24 Cover:
Previously, EA Sports FC 24 released a cover image featuring 31 players, including male, female, and former star players. While Haaland stood prominently in the center, Mbappe was notably absent.
Mbappe’s Past FIFA Cover Star Status:
Mbappe had previously been the main cover star for three editions of FIFA, from 2021 to 2023. Losing the opportunity to appear on the game cover to Haaland is considered a significant setback for Mbappe, as per European media reports.
The Dominance of FIFA:
FIFA is the best-selling sports game of all time, with 325 million copies sold as of 2021. Over the past 20 years, EA Sports has generated over $20 billion in revenue from the franchise. Being at the center and featured prominently during the game’s introduction, Haaland is expected to receive a substantial compensation.
Mbappe’s Recent Challenges:
The EA Sports incident is just one of the issues Mbappe has been facing recently. The French forward and his club, PSG, have publicly criticized each other through the media. Mbappe’s desire for a Champions League title remains unfulfilled, as PSG’s strategies have failed to instill confidence in him.
Haaland’s Rise and Success:
On the other hand, Haaland had an explosive 2022/23 season with Manchester City. Scoring 52 goals in 53 matches and winning the treble of the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup, the Norwegian forward has clearly taken a significant step ahead of Mbappe in the club-level competition.
The Implications for Mbappe’s Future:
The upcoming 2023/24 season looms ahead. Unless the issues with PSG are resolved soon, it is not unlikely for Mbappe to lose another year of his career with a club he no longer wants to be associated with.
Mbappe’s loss of a world-class mega contract to formidable rival Haaland, combined with other challenges he currently faces, puts his future in uncertainty. As the football landscape evolves, Mbappe must navigate these obstacles to fulfill his ambitions and secure his place among the elite.
