Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, thinks he can contend with seven-time champion Lionel Messi for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Following their joint victories of two of the most prestigious trophies in world football last year, Messi and Haaland are widely regarded as the two favorites to win this year’s individual award.
With 52 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions, Haaland led a Man City attack that won a historic treble of the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
In the process, he broke numerous goalscoring records.
After winning the PFA Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, Premier League Player and Young Player of the Year, and Man City Player of the Season awards, the 22-year-old is now in the running to take home his first Ballon d’Or.
While this is going on, Messi is vying for a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or after successfully leading Argentina to World Cup victory at the 2022 event in Qatar – the country’s first global championship in 36 years.
The 36-year-old attacker, who won the Ligue 1 championship in his final season with Paris Saint-Germain as well, has since made an impressive start to life at MLS team Inter Miami, scoring 11 goals and dishing out five assists in 11 games.
Haaland believes he is legitimately in the running to challenge Messi for this year’s Ballon d’Or after winning the UEFA Super Cup with Man City and scoring six goals in just four Premier League appearances.
In response to a question about whether he believes he is one of the best strikers in the world of football, Haaland responded: “In my opinion.
What we mean by “striker” will determine everything.
This question is a ruse.
I am without a doubt there.
Perhaps I’m the best.
I’m well aware of how much room I have for growth.
I’m still fairly young.
I do, however, think that this year is my best chance.”.
Manchester City’s No. “I want to be remembered as a unique player because of the way I play,” continued 9 in his addition.
Showing special content is what I try to do each week.”.
Along with Messi’s Argentine teammate Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and new addition Josko Gvardiol, who joined from RB Leipzig this summer, Haaland is one of seven Man City players nominated for the Ballon d’Or. Additionally, treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is now at Barcelona, is also up for the award.
Other notable players who have been nominated for the award include PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and 2022 winner Karim Benzema, who is currently playing for Al-Ittihad, but Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time winner, is not present on the shortlist for the first time since 2003.
On October 30 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, the 2023 Ballon d’Or presentation is scheduled to take place.
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