Former Chelsea manager tips Haaland to win Ballon d'Or over Messi

Former Chelsea and Newcastle United manager Ruud Gullit has tipped Manchester City's Erling Haaland to win the Ballon d'Or but only on one condition.

‌The Dutch legend believes the record-breaking Norwegian will be first choice for the coveted award if Man City can land their first Champions League trophy.

Haaland will face stiff competition from seven-time winner Lionel Messi who led Argentina to a superb World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Gullit, speaking ahead of this week’s prestigious Laureus awards in Paris, said: “It’s very interesting - if Haaland wins the Champions League this year with Manchester City then he could win the Ballon d’Or. He will be a very strong contender for it, for sure.

“As a footballer, he’s out of the ordinary. You can’t compare him to anyone. There’s always one freak of nature that comes out."

"We had that with Lionel Messi. He was out of the ordinary, too. But Haaland, how he scores is fantastic. He’s exceptional in front of goal, one of a kind.”

The 2023 Ballon d'Or is scheduled to take place on Monday 16 October at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.