Erling Haaland, one of the rising stars in football, recently opened up about his perspective on the evolving landscape of the sport, particularly in the context of the Ballon d’Or competition and the legacy of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite being seen as a potential rival to Kylian Mbappe, Haaland emphasized his respect for both Messi and Ronaldo, acknowledging their remarkable longevity and excellence throughout their careers.
The Ballon d’Or shortlist, which notably excluded Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in two decades, features players like Haaland, who is 23, and Mbappe, who is 24. Meanwhile, Messi, at 36, and Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League at 38, are approaching the twilight of their illustrious careers. However, Messi remains the overwhelming favorite to secure his record seventh Ballon d’Or, having played a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
In an interview with France Football, Haaland was asked if his rivalry with Mbappe could become the next major rivalry in football, following the era of Messi vs. Ronaldo. Haaland expressed his admiration for Messi and Ronaldo, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and their ability to maintain their high level of performance as they age. He stressed that he does not harbor any ill will towards other players and focuses on self-improvement to excel in his own career.
Haaland’s outstanding 2022-23 season has already earned him multiple personal accolades, including the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and the PFA Player of the Year awards. His impressive goal-scoring record for City, with 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions, included breaking the Premier League single-season scoring record with 36 goals in 35 games. City achieved a historic Treble by winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.
On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain, led by Mbappe, secured the Ligue 1 championship but fell short in the Champions League once again. This led to significant changes in PSG’s strategy, with the departures of Messi and Neymar and the adoption of a youth-centric approach under new manager Luis Enrique.
Enrique’s success in this role hinges on whether he can finally deliver the elusive Champions League trophy to PSG. The group stage draw placed PSG alongside Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Newcastle in Group F, while Haaland’s City is in Group G with RB Leipzig, Young Boys, and Red Star.
The upcoming Champions League promises exciting matchups, and football fans worldwide eagerly await to see if the emerging talents like Haaland and Mbappe can carry the torch passed on by Messi and Ronaldo. As the sport continues to evolve, the legacy of these legendary players will undoubtedly endure, shaping the future of football rivalries and competitions.
