Erling Haaland has his sights set on claiming this year’s Ballon d’Or. After claiming almost every award available for his record-breaking debut season, Haaland now wants to claim football’s biggest individual prize.
In an interview with L’Equipe Manchester City’s star striker believes he can beat Argentine legend Lionel Messi to the prestigious honour. He spoke of his belief in himself and if he could win the award this year. Haaland told L’Equipe: “I believe in myself, I really do. I know I can still improve a lot, I’m still young. But yes, I think I have a chance this year.”
Norway’s star striker also spoke if he believed he was the best striker in world football. Haaland refused to answer the question directly. Instead, he remained humble, stating: “In my mind… It all depends on what we mean by striker. It’s a trick question. I’m definitely up there. Am I the best? Maybe.” Haaland went on to go into detail about his incredible ability to score, saying: “This is part instinct and, obviously, hard work. Instinct is the belief the ball will come in a given place, a kind of sixth sense hidden in the brain. But apart from that, you need to work a lot, work on your individual abilities, and learn to understand your teammates. It’s an understanding of the game with that instinct that tells you: It’s now.”
After his record-breaking debut season, which helped Manchester City claim the historical treble, he is one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or. Haaland’s main competition will come from Argentine legend Lionel Messi. Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which claimed the title Messi had long craved.
Erling Haaland and City fans will find out on the 30th of October in Paris when the Ballon d’Or winner is crowned for 2023.
