The 2023-24 season is about to end but has left the soccer world with an intriguing question. Probably, the best players this time, barring Kylian Mbappe, have been former players of Borussia Dortmund. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has already powered his team to a treble last season, and Jude Bellingham continues with a similar effect for Real Madrid. But how destructive should Borussia Dortmund have been with them? However, the Dortmund team, with both potential Ballon d’Or winners, may have been less formidable, felt a former City star.

There is one condition that makes the absence of such players for Dortmund suitable for the club, according to Micah Richards. Recently, on the Rest is Football podcast, experts were asked whether the current Borussia Dortmund team would be better if they won the Champions League than having Haaland and Bellingham. Then Richards interestingly responded, “Yes, they would be because they won the Champions League,” emphasizing the importance of winning titles rather than having superstars.

Meanwhile, Dortmund will face Bellingham’s Real Madrid as the final frontier for their second Champions League title on June 1st. Their journey until now has been nothing less than commendable since Edin Terzić’s side did not possess superheroes like other giants. While the individual heroics would have been exciting, their collective effort positively drove their impressive comeback in the tournament, especially against Atletico Madrid. Dortmund’s chief contributor has been the 31-year-old Niclas Füllkrug, with three goals and two assists. On the other hand, Haaland and Bellingham are seeking a few more avenues.

How Erling Haaland and Bellingham’s exit could prove effective

Borussia Dortmund’s triumph in the UCL could prove a win-win situation for the two superstars and the club. Erling Haaland, even though he was a beast for Die Schwarzgelben, scoring 86 goals in 89 games, had won just the German Cup title. It took him just one season to overcome such a drought in Manchester. On the other hand, Bellingham’s journey was unique with Dortmund, where he almost took the team to Bundesliga glory last year.

Despite the number of goals not showing his incredible potential, the English international won the Bundesliga Player of the Season for his impact on the pitch. Apart from his crucial assists, Bellingham won the most duels and covered an approximate distance of 200 miles, making him untouchable. But more importantly, his exploits were the game-changer for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, with some crux goals in prominent games.

Overall, with Dortmund loading off the heroes at a decent price and winning the UCL, their season will be considered fruitful. And since both Jude Bellingham and Haaland are the top scorers for two European giants, their contention for the Ballon d’Or is even stronger, making it a golden season for all three stakeholders.