Erling Haaland should surely be one of the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or this year after Manchester City won the Champions League on Saturday.
Haaland and Lionel Messi have been the front runners in the Ballon d’Or race. While the latter won all possible major titles with Argentina last year – Copa America, FIFA World Cup and Finalissima – the Norway national has a treble against his name.
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One important point to note is: Haaland did not play any tournament with Norway.
Halland in 22 years old. He joined City last year and made an instant impact. The striker finished the season with 52 goals in as many games. He had 36 goals in 35 league matches – most in a single Premier League season.
Erling Haaland did not score in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. He struggled throughout the game. But Rodri covered up. The Spanish player shot a curler from inside the box to seal the encounter at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has placed Haaland over Messi for the Ballon d’Or.
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Silva told France Football: “If Haaland wins Premier League and Champions League, you can put him in the Ballon d’Or discussion, and you can also talk about Vini Jr. if Madrid win the Champions League.”
Messi already has seven Ballon d’Ors – a record. The Argentine played a key roles for his side in the FIFA World Cup and Copa America last year.
Some fans, however, believe that Haaland will lose the French honor because he did not score in knockouts.
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“Haaland won the treble but he didn’t perform well in his biggest game while Messi showed a masterclass in the biggest game ever. It’s more than clear that Leo should win the Ballon d’Or this year,” a Twitter user said.
“Well, the good news for Messi FC is that there’s no way you can give Haaland the Ballon d’Or.No goals in the SF or Final and did little in either game. Should never be enough to give it to him. If any other player was in Messi’s position they’d win it,” another one added.
