May 28, (THEWILL) – The battle for the 2023 Ballon d’Or has intensified as Erling Haaland, the young Norwegian striker, claimed the prestigious 2022/2023 England Player of the Season award after a remarkable campaign with Manchester City. With Haaland breaking goal-scoring records and securing his first English title, the question arises: has Lionel Messi, the perennial favourite and World Cup winner, been upstaged by the younger and sensational Haaland in the race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or?
Will Messi’s contributions in Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain and for long-awaited World Cup triumph for his country stake his claim to another record-extending Ballon d’Or or will the dip in his recent form and slight disciplinary issues jeopardise his chances of securing another gong?
Haaland’s performance throughout the 2022/2023 season has been nothing short of sensational. His goal-scoring prowess has seen him break numerous records, including setting a new individual English Premier League campaign record with an astounding 36 goals. This achievement alone solidifies his claim for the Ballon d’Or.
Yet, Haaland’s contributions were not limited to domestic competitions; he also excelled in Europe, helping English champions Manchester City reach the final stages of this season’s UEFA Champions League. Winning both the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards this season, which have never happened previously, highlights his undeniable impact and sets him apart as a genuine contender.
Haaland’s victory in the Player of the Season award marks the fourth consecutive year that a City player has claimed the accolade. This consistency demonstrates the club’s dominance and the quality of its players. Haaland’s achievements cannot be disregarded merely as a result of being part of a strong team. His exceptional performances have been instrumental in Manchester City’s success, and his impact on the team cannot be overlooked.
The Norwegian faced tough competition for the Player of the Season award, triumphing over highly acclaimed players such as Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, and teammate, Kevin De Bruyne. This victory further solidifies Haaland’s credentials as a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or as they underscore his versatility and impact across multiple categories.
Similarly, Messi, a serial winner and regular favourite for the Ballon d’Or, had a significant achievement in 2022 by leading Argentina to World Cup glory. This triumph carries considerable weight in the Ballon d’Or race and enhances his chances of claiming the title once again. Messi’s ability to shine on the world stage and deliver for his country adds to his already illustrious career. However, it is essential to evaluate his performance in the 2022/2023 season itself to assess his current form and Ballon d’Or prospects accurately.
Despite Messi’s undeniable talent, longevity at the highest levels and contributions to his team, his form in the 2022/2023 season has been overshadowed by the disciplinary issue of his suspension because of an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia, for which he has apologised. Furthermore, while he played a crucial role for Argentina in the World Cup, PSG’s early elimination from the UCL reflects a setback that can affect his chances, especially if Haaland helps City lift their first-ever continental Cup.
Some Messi critics will argue that Haaland deserves it more and point to the Argentine’s disciplinary problems on the basis that they raise concerns about his ability to model the required level of professionalism that the Ballon d’Or demands. While some may defend Messi’s lifelong exemplary conduct, which is public knowledge, the aforementioned factors may cast doubt on the legend’s chances of securing another title, especially when compared to Haaland’s exceptional season.
Indeed, Messi’s World Cup triumph and his overall track record make him the front-runner for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, still, Haaland’s extraordinary performances, goal-scoring records, and the awards to show for them indicate that he has emerged as a serious contender. Messi’s form in the 2022/2023 season, coupled with the disciplinary angle, may hinder his chances of securing another title.
The outcome of this intriguing battle will depend on the assessment of individual achievements, consistency, and the overall impact players have had on their teams by those who will vote to determine the final outcome. It will be an interesting process and decision to follow.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
