Lionel Messi is the odds-on favorite to lift an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday, but not everyone is on the same page.
Erling Haaland should be the one to claim the Ballon d’Or, according to Premier League strikers Callum Wilson and Michail Antonio.
Haaland’s astonishing record of 52 goals and nine assists in 53 games was a testament to his remarkable performance last season. His efforts helped Manchester City win the treble. The club won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Yet, having led Argentina to the World Cup title last winter, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson expressed, “What Haaland did last season can’t be overlooked.
“If you take away international football and compare statistically — Haaland should win the award. You can’t look past Messi winning his first World Cup, that is a big contributing factor.
“But club football-wise he’s been playing in America,” the Newcastle striker added. “This is very different to Haaland in the Premier League.”
Antonio concurred, emphasizing Haaland’s contribution to the treble-winning team and his record-breaking performances.
The West Ham star firmly stated, “He deserves that Ballon d’Or — if he doesn’t get it, it’s a scandal.”
France Football will announce the winner of the 2023 award on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
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