As we close in on the Ballon d’Or, rumors have started to flood in. Among the latest ones, Lionel Messi will likely be crowned the winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or. Messi will clinch his 8th award if the suggested rumors turn out to be true. Citing the hype surrounding the ceremony and the nominations, a former France icon shares his take on the importance of the prestigious award in this day and age.

Unlike the former French international, critics and pundits are hopping on the Ballon d’Or bandwagon. While some believe Messi is the right choice, others are on Team Erling Haaland.

Former France icon doesn’t vibe with the Ballon d’Or hype

It’s been months since critics are trying to figure out who is the right choice for soccer’s most coveted award. After multiple debates and discussions, there is still no perfect answer. But, the debate still rages on. However, former Chelsea player and France defender, Frank Leboeuf doesn’t understand what the hype is all about.

In an interview with ESPN, the 1998 World Cup winner explains why he feels the hype is unnecessary. He said, “It’s like nowadays, it’s the holy grail, that winning the Ballon d’Or means something very important to the players. Earlier, it meant almost nothing to the player who won it. Zizou won the ballon d’or, he never mentioned it so I don’t know why suddenly individual awards became so important in the world of football.”

If the rumors are to be believed, then Messi will extend his hold on the trophy by a margin of three. His next competitor is Cristiano Ronaldo who has won a total of five awards in his career. Messi also holds the record for winning the prestigious award four times in a row between 2009 and 2012.

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However, Frank Leboeuf’s perspective will likely not diminish the excitement for the ceremony. Multiple critics are waiting for their choice to be awarded the crown but it will all unfold in the last week of October.

The debate rages on: Team Erling Haaland Vs. Team Lionel Messi

As the debate rages on about who deserves the Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, find themselves at the center of the storm. Craig Burley, a former player of English club Derby County, champions Haaland’s cause. He asserts that Messi’s World Cup victory and past glories should not be the sole factors determining the award’s recipient.

Team Haaland passionately spotlights his remarkable achievements from the previous season, where he notched an incredible 52 goals and clinched multiple titles with Manchester City.

In support of Erling Haaland, former Tottenham defender Jason Cundy doesn’t mince his words, deeming it a “disgrace” if Haaland doesn’t secure the prestigious title. Cundy, too, dismisses Messi’s World Cup triumph as irrelevant to the Ballon d’Or debate. He emphasized the extraordinary accomplishments Haaland brought to the table.

The sentiment is further shared by Shaun Wright-Phillips, a former Manchester City winger, who firmly contends that the World Cup should not sway the decision in Messi’s favor. He underscores Haaland’s exceptional contributions to City’s success. Jan Age Fjortoft, a Norwegian legend, stands firmly in Team Haaland as well.

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Which side are you on? Let us know in the comments below.