The Norway coach does not see his striker Erling Haaland winning the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
While waiting to know Karim Benzema’s successor, who will be announced on October 30 at the Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris), the names of the 30 nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or were revealed this Wednesday. Two players are big favorites: Erling Haaland, who achieved the treble – championship, national cup and Champions League – with Manchester City, and Lionel Messi, winner of the World Cup with Argentina. Author of a hat-trick in the World Cup final, Kylian Mbappé emerges as their main opponent.
Asked about the subject at a press conference, the Norwegian coach, Stale Solbakken, admitted to banking on a victory… for Lionel Messi. “It will most likely be between Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling (Haaland, editor’s note)he first indicated. If you ask me who I think will win, I will say Messi will win it thanks to his World Cup triumph. It still has an impact. Mbappé was there too. » Words that risk going down badly with the Citizens striker…
“I really believe in myself”
It must be said that for his part, Erling Haaland believes in his chances of winning for the first time in his career, at the age of 23, the most prestigious individual award in football. “I believe in myself, I really do. I know I can still improve a lot, I’m still young. But yes, I think I have a chance this year”confided the Scandinavian serial scorer, who indeed has solid arguments to put forward.
