Erling Haaland stands as one of the top contenders for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, yet the opinion of a living legend adds a notable twist to the race. The Norwegian forward has become a focal point in the debate about this year’s holder of football’s most coveted individual prize, with even a senior figure in the game hinting that Lionel Messi deserves the honor.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Haaland dazzled last season by netting 52 goals across all competitions, powering Manchester City to a domestic treble in the Premier League, plus triumphs in the Champions League and the FA Cup. Those extraordinary numbers placed him firmly in the discussion for the Ballon d’Or, a prize historically linked to standout campaigns in European football.
THE BIGGEST PHOTO
But Messi is still a defining force in the narrative. He led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, a feat that reinforced his status as one of the game’s greatest winners. At 36, Messi continues to star for Inter Miami, a move that has broadened his influence and kept him in the conversation for an eighth Ballon d’Or.
WHAT THEY SAY
Stale Solbakken, the Norwegian coach who has worked with Haaland on the international stage, is expected to back his young striker when the debate turns to the world’s best. Yet when pressed about his own pick, Solbakken offered a candid verdict: Messi’s World Cup triumph carries significant weight. That victory, he noted, still resonates and helps define the year’s best.
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?
Haaland himself has kept his eyes on the bigger picture rather than the trophy chase. In an interview with France Football he framed the question of who will win as a clever trap, underscoring his belief that he belongs among the top contenders and that there is room for personal improvement. His confidence remains cautious but clear: the youngster sees a real chance this season, even as the trophy race unfolds around him.
Note: The insights above summarize the key developments and public commentary surrounding the Ballon d’Or race as reported by Goal.