Haaland vs. Messi and Ronaldo: Will the Norwegian Star Win the Ballon d’Or?

Haaland’s Legendary Status Questioned as Ballon d’Or Eludes Him

History has been shaped by Erling Haaland. The record for the most Premier League goals in a single season has been broken with still a few games remaining after standing for three decades.

The 22-year-old up-and-coming megastar had what is perhaps the best first season in England’s top division since, well, football started. He broke the single-season goal record and is now aiming for the historically unheard-of goal total of 40 in a single season.

Since Harald Hardrada in 1066, Haaland has posed the biggest Scandinavian threat to the United Kingdom. He continues to plunder Premier League defenses at will. He is not showing any signs of slowing down; he is ruthless and cruel.

There are no longer any concerns about Haaland being able to bring his success from the continent to British soil. There is just no room for disagreement: Haaland is present, and here to conquer.

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Haaland joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and has since scored 35 Premier League goals in 31 games.

He has already shattered records for goals scored in a season of 38 games or more.

Before Haaland, no one had ever recorded hat tricks in three straight games. The 22-year-old has already outscored Cristiano Ronaldo, Jamie Vardy, and Frank Lampard, all of whom have played in hundreds of Premier League games, in terms of hat-tricks.

Michael Owen took 48 games to become the second-fastest player in Premier League history to score three hat tricks. Haaland gathered eight.

In a twist of irony that has left football fans and pundits astounded, Erling Haaland, the young Norwegian striker, is on the verge of becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time without having won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Haaland, at just 22 years old, has already achieved remarkable feats on the football field. His incredible goal-scoring record, lightning speed, and impeccable skills have propelled him to the top tier of the football world. He has dominated domestic leagues, broken records, and showcased a level of consistency that has garnered comparisons to some of the game’s greatest legends.

Despite his remarkable performances, Haaland has been overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, the accolade bestowed upon the best football player in the world each year. The prestigious award has historically been a significant marker of individual success, often synonymous with the status of being the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT).

International matches have provided a consistent benefit for great players like Messi and Ronaldo, who have been known to win the award back-to-back. Both Messi and Ronaldo have contributed significantly to the success of Argentina and Portugal. Norway has not given Haaland as much of a boost as other nations, like France, have given Mbappe to vie for the honor. This is due to voting needing to examine players’ performances for both club and nation before deciding who the best player in the world was for the entire calendar year.

Voters always view noteworthy efforts that result in international triumph favorably, therefore a great player on a World Cup-winning team is frequently viewed as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or at the conclusion of the year.

The irony lies in the fact that while Haaland may not have a Ballon d’Or to his name, his impact on the game and the recognition he has received from fans and experts alike suggest that he may still claim the title of the GOAT in due time.

Haaland’s meteoric rise began with his breakthrough at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored an astonishing 28 goals in just 22 appearances during the 2019-2020 season. His remarkable performances attracted the attention of top clubs, and he eventually signed with Borussia Dortmund and later Manchester City. Since then, Haaland has consistently found the back of the net, often surpassing the goal-scoring exploits of established stars.

While the Ballon d’Or is undoubtedly a prestigious honor, many argue that it is not the sole measure of a player’s greatness. Haaland’s contributions to the sport go beyond individual awards, as he has already etched his name in football history through his goal-scoring records, match-winning performances, and impact on the teams he has represented.

As the football world debates the criteria for determining the GOAT, Haaland’s extraordinary career trajectory without the Ballon d’Or serves as a reminder that greatness can be measured by more than just individual accolades. Whether he eventually wins the coveted award or not, Erling Haaland’s influence on the game is already making a strong case for his status as one of football’s all-time greats.