Man City vs Real Madrid: 3 reasons Haaland could win Ballon d'Or ahead of Messi after Champions League triumph

Man City vs Real Madrid: 3 reasons Haaland could win Ballon d'Or ahead of Messi after Champions League triumph

Akan Anwankwo 11:17 - 18.05.2023

Erling Haaland has become a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or award after Manchester City qualified for the Champions League final at the expense of Real Madrid. The Norwegian star is likely to win a treble and become topscorer in all competitions.

Manchester City’s progress into the Champions League final now means Erling Haaland stands a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Though the Norwegian striker did not find the back of the net in the two legged fixture against Real Madrid bit he has scored 12 goals in the elite competition this season.

The 22-year-old is now a strong contender alongside Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe for the most prized football individual award.

Here are 3 reasons Haaland could win the 2022 Ballon d’Or award

1. Man City’s status in Europe this season

Pep Guardiola’s side are aiming for an incredible treble, a feat Sir Alex Ferguson achieved during the 1998-98 season with Manchester United.

City are favourites in winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League which would be of huge benefit to their star player Haaland.

If City win the three club competitions, there is no doubt Haaland will finish on the podium among his strong competitors.

2. Haaland’s remarkable scoring form in his debut season with City

Haaland has proved every penny of his big summer money move from Borussia Dortmund to the city of Manchester.

His 52 goals across all competitions is evident that the 22-year-old will contend for Ballon d’Or with the likes of Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema.

3. The status of other top contenders

Apart from the World Cup trophy, Messi as well as Mbappe are aiming for the Ligue1 title with Paris Saint-Germain, as they are five points clear of second place Lens with three games to go.

On the other hand, Benzema will now only settle for the already won Copa del Rey with Real Madrid while Robert Lewandowski’s La Liga title is also the only thing the Polish striker has to present this season.

However, despite not playing at the World Cup, if Haaland emerges as the topscorer in the Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup, it would boost his chances to overthrow Messi.