Erling Haaland, Manchester City's Talented Striker
The prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or is set to be announced on October 28, 2024, with many star players competing for the coveted award. One of the top contenders is none other than Erling Haaland, who has played a crucial role in Manchester City's success since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. In this article, V9Bet will explore the 24-year-old's journey and assess his potential to win the Ballon d'Or.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City's Talented Striker
At just 24 years old, Erling Haaland has been in the football spotlight from a young age. This attention partly stems from being the son of former footballer Alf-Inge Haaland, known for his rivalry with Roy Keane. Born in Leeds, Haaland started his football journey in Norway with Bryne, breaking into the first team at just 16. Soon after, he moved to Molde, where Ole Gunnar Solskjær was the coach at the time.
In the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Haaland gained widespread recognition by scoring nine goals in a single match against Honduras, earning the tournament's top scorer title despite Norway’s early exit. This remarkable performance led to his transfer to Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. Just six months later, Borussia Dortmund secured his services for €20 million, allowing Haaland to showcase his talents on the Bundesliga stage.
At Borussia Dortmund, Haaland proved his abilities by scoring 86 goals and providing 23 assists in 89 matches, though he only secured one DFB-Pokal trophy. His performance caught the attention of Europe's top clubs, leading Manchester City to activate his €60 million release clause in the summer of 2022—a move that proved to be a bargain, with Haaland netting 103 goals and providing 14 assists in 110 appearances, solidifying City's dominance in the English Premier League.
Erling Haaland is renowned for his unique playing style. Despite his towering and robust physique, he exhibits an agility that seems almost impossible for someone of his size. This combination allows him to score in various ways—left foot, right foot, or header—and he has an exceptional knack for finding space, consistently positioning himself perfectly in the box. His fearless nature in facing physical challenges makes him a nightmare for defenders worldwide. At just 24, he has shattered numerous goal-scoring records.
Haaland isn't just a pure goal-scorer; he’s a modern No. 9 who excels in creating opportunities for his teammates. His dribbling and ball control are impressive, allowing him to handle tight spaces, even if it’s not as flashy as smaller players. His vision for passing is top-notch, making him a valuable playmaker when needed. Additionally, he often holds up the ball for teammates, using his powerful physique to become the primary target for receiving passes, particularly in Manchester City's short-passing system.
Haaland - The Goal Machine
In his approximately eight-year professional career, Haaland has scored over 238 goals and provided 50 assists in just 293 games. This tally doesn’t include his contributions to the Norwegian national team, where he has scored 34 goals and made 3 assists in 37 appearances. Such numbers are remarkable, especially in modern football, where systems and strategies often dominate over individual brilliance. Haaland's goal-scoring prowess has led him to break several records.
Some of Haaland's standout records include:
These incredible achievements have earned him the reputation of being a "goal-scoring machine," a title that suits him perfectly given his relentless ability to find the back of the net.
How Many Times Has Haaland Been Nominated for the Ballon d'Or?
Counting 2024, Erling Haaland has been shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or four times. His first nomination came in 2021 while he was at Borussia Dortmund, a year when Lionel Messi claimed the prestigious award, and Haaland finished 11th despite scoring 41 goals and providing 12 assists in 41 matches. In 2022, Karim Benzema from Real Madrid took the award, with Haaland improving to a 10th-place finish.
In 2023, Haaland had a standout year, playing a pivotal role in Manchester City's multiple title wins, but ultimately, Messi won the award again. For the 2024 edition, top contenders include Vinícius Júnior and Dani Carvajal from Real Madrid, along with Rodri and Haaland from Manchester City. However, injuries to Rodri and Carvajal have narrowed the competition, leaving Vinícius and Haaland as the leading candidates.
Vinícius Júnior is currently a favorite for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, having scored 26 goals and made 12 assists, contributing significantly to Real Madrid's La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League victories. However, Haaland's own record of 45 goals and 6 assists helped Manchester City win the Premier League, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. Though Haaland's accomplishments might not seem as prestigious to some online football enthusiasts compared to his rival, his performance still makes him a strong contender.
Join V9Bet today to enjoy 24/7 online sports betting. As a leading sports betting provider in Asia since 2012, V9Bet holds a valid license and maintains solid financial stability. Members can enjoy free live streaming of matches from all leagues and exclusive betting odds. Register now to get a 3,000 THB credit and a 50% cashback bonus for five consecutive days.
Read more: How is the new format of the UEFA Champions League?
The Ballon d'Or is a prestigious award that every footballer aspires to win. This year is especially significant, marking the first time we step out from the shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It could signal the beginning of Haaland's era, as he continues to impress fans with his incredible goal-scoring record. Keep a close eye on October 28, 2024, to find out who will be crowned the new king of football!