Erling Haaland could slump to THIRD in Ballon d’Or as fans call for Man City team-mate to beat Messi to gong
MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland could drop to third in the Ballon d’Or rankings despite his record-breaking exploits.
Haaland led City to a Treble as he became the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer in a single campaign and topped the Champions League charts, while also dominating the FA Cup.
However, fans believe one of the star striker’s City team-mates deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Pep Guardiola’s goal machine.
And that is none other than Rodri, who added the Nations League to his trophy case on Sunday.
The midfielder helped Spain beat Croatia on penalties after a goalless draw in the final at De Kuip.
The 26-year-old put together another man-of-the-match performance in a final shortly after scoring City’s winner against Inter Milan to seal the club’s first ever Champions League trophy.
And Rodri’s exploits could see him cut some of Haaland‘s votes for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
The Norway international poses as a favourite, while Lionel Messi is hoping for an eighth award after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
But Rodri’s success could slump Haaland to third place following mass praise from the fans.
One fan tweeted: “Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Nations League. MOTM awards in multiple finals. Rodri has completed football this season.”
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Another commented: “All timer season by a DM. Rodri deserves to be on that Ballon d’Or podium.”
A third posted: “If Jorginho made top 3 in the Ballon D’or in 2021, then Rodri should be winning the Ballon D’or for winning the treble and winning the Nations League… Uncomfortable conversations.”
This fan wrote: “Rodri is a better contender for the Ballon D’or than Messi.”
And that one stated: “It has been a good 2022/2023-season for Rodri. A Ballon d’Or worthy season.”