Ballon d'Or: Akanji suggests that Erling Haaland should’ve won the award

 

Manchester City defender, Manuel Akanji has suggested that Erling Haaland should have beaten Lionel Messi to the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.

Recall that Haaland came second behind Messi in the race for the France Football Golden Ball award on October 30.

The Norway international picked up the Gerd Muller award for being the most prolific striker last season after scoring 52 goals in 53 games across competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side.

“He did everything he could last year. He’s scored 50 goals and won the treble,” Akanji said (via ESPN).

“Of course, it would have been nice for him to win but it’s not just about that.”

Akanji added, “I think he cares more about the team’s success than the individual ones but I hope for him that he will win it one day.”