Erling Haaland & Nikola Jokic Fail Podium Finish as Novak Djokovic Bags Rare Award Before Australian Open

Erling Haaland has failed to win an award. Yes, you heard that right! The Manchester City Ace, who won the PFA Player of the Year, FIFA Best, and IFFHS Player of the Year, found some tough competition this time. His rivals included Nikola Jokic, and Novak Djokovic, who ultimately bested him to the recognition. What could this award with players from different sports be about?

Regardless, this award would have boosted the Serbian superstar Novak Djoković, acknowledging that the tennis ace will be preparing to retain the Australian Open next month. As for Haaland, those 50 goals don’t matter to the awards organizers!

Erling Haaland snubbed as Djokovic lands a coveted prize!

The Norwegian narrowly missed out on the PAP European Sportsperson of the Year award to Djokovic. The jury panel includes the Polish Press Agency (PAP) and 21 sports editorial heads of various news agencies. With 178 points, Djokovic emerged the victor, while Formula One champion Max Verstappen (150 points) and Swede Pole Vaulter Armand Duplantis (86 points) rounded the top 3. Haaland finished 4th (80), and Serbian NBA sensation Nikola Jokić (74 points) finished 5th. Considering their form this year, the duo would have felt hard done by.

Incidentally, this was the 5th time Djokovic won the award, equalling the record of Tennis Legend Roger Federer. Djokovic’s win came because of his stellar performances in the Grand Slam tournaments. The Serbian won the Australia, French, & US Open tournaments in addition to the ATP Tour finals. Hence, you can’t say that the Djoker was undeserving of the prize.

Interestingly, Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi wasn’t among the ten finalists for the award. Haaland was also the only soccer player in the top 10. Despite the snub, Haaland shouldn’t be too disappointed. After all, awards are subjective, and Djokovic might not finish ahead of Haaland every time, as seen in recent BBC Awards.

Haaland emerges victorious in the BBC Sport Personality of the Year awards

The BBC Award is for the non-British sports star who contributed most to their sport in 2023. With 50 goals and an impressive trophy haul, Haaland was judged the winner of the 2023 edition. Djokovic was once again a rival to the Manchester City man, but he finished behind the Man City no 9.

Read More: Pep Guardiola Confirms Date of Erling Haaland’s Return From Injury

Behind Haaland was South African Rugby Captain Siya Kolisi (2nd) and Formula One Racer Max Verstappen (3rd). Interestingly, Haaland succeeded Lionel Messi as the 2nd consecutive soccer star to win the coveted prize. If he continues his form, he will probably succeed the Argentina Maestro as the Ballon d’Or winner as well.

Did Djokovic deserve to win the PAP European Sportsperson of the Year award? Tell us in the comments below.

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