Erling Haaland ‘Did Everything He Could’ve Done’ to Win the Ballon d’Or Over Lionel Messi, Claims Rio Ferdinand

There’s always a heated debate surrounding the prestigious Ballon d’Or winner. In the 2023 edition, Argentina’s iconic Lionel Messi secured the accolade for a historic eighth time. Now, former Manchester United icon and soccer pundit Rio Ferdinand has made a bold claim by suggesting that prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has left no stone unturned in his pursuit of Ballon d’Or.

While Messi’s World Cup victory undoubtedly played a significant role in his triumph, Ferdinand believes Haaland’s heroics with Manchester City should have earned him the award.

Ferdinand backs Erling Haaland after Ballon d’Or snub

Messi’s FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina played a pivotal role in his Ballon d’Or victory. But, apart from international tournaments, Messi’s contributions to PSG’s campaign were also remarkable. He scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists for the Parisians last season. However, despite this, Rio Ferdinand believes that Haaland’s heroics for Manchester City mustn’t be overlooked.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s UCL clash against Young Boys, Ferdinand stated to TNT Sports, “Messi’s a great player, but what he [Haaland] did last season in terms of scoring that amount of goals… If Messi doesn’t win the World Cup, then there’s no chance of him being considered – I don’t think – for that Ballon d’Or. This guy [Haaland] has done everything he could do. There’s nothing more that he could have done to have put himself in any better position to have won the Ballon d’Or.” Ferdinand’s assertion about Haaland’s performance last season speaks a lot about the immaculate talent the Norwegian carries.

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At only 23 years of age, Erling Haaland is contending for major records and achievements. However, Rio Ferdinand believes that if he fails to secure a Ballon d’Or title in the future, he’ll be gutted. “The biggest thing for me is, if he ever doesn’t win this Ballon d’Or in his career, that is when he will be bitter and twisted,” Ferdinand added. It’ll be interesting to see the trajectory of Haaland’s career, and if it takes him near to the coveted Golden Ball, or not.

Haaland set to break another record

In Manchester City’s latest UCL clash against Young Boys, the Cityzens secured a comfortable 3-0 victory. With Haaland scoring a brace and Phil Foden’s strike, Manchester City secured a place in the Champions League last 16. However, with this victory, Erling Haaland has once again made headlines for his goal-scoring phenomenon.

Haaland now has 39 Champions League goals from 34 appearances and is on course to smash the record for fewest appearances to reach 40 goals. Currently, Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy holds the record, which stands at 45 games.

As Haaland continues to remain under the spotlight, Ferdinand’s bold assertion seems highly likely. Haaland’s sensational season for Manchester City leaves us with a captivating question: Should individual awards, like the Ballon d’Or, focus on collective international achievements, or should they equally consider domestic performances?

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