In the pantheon of football accolades, the Ballon d’Or stands as the pinnacle of individual achievement, celebrating the player who has performed most outstandingly over the year. As we look towards 2025, one name that resonates with the promise of clinching this prestigious award is Erling Haaland.
Here are 3 reasons why Erling Haaland should be considered the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or in 2025:
1. Unmatched Scoring Prowess
Erling Haaland has redefined what it means to be a goal-scoring machine in modern football. Since his move to Manchester City, Haaland has showcased an almost supernatural ability to find the back of the net. His season in 2022-2023 was nothing short of historic, where he scored 52 goals across all competitions, including a record-breaking 36 goals in the Premier League, outpacing previous records set by legends like Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
Looking forward to 2025, if Haaland maintains or even improves upon this trajectory, his goal tally could surpass historical benchmarks set by football icons like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Goals are the currency of football, and Haaland’s consistent scoring, especially in crucial matches, could be the deciding factor in the Ballon d’Or race. His ability to score against top-tier defenses, in high-stakes games, and in various competitions, including the Champions League, where he was top scorer in the 2022-2023 season, underscores his candidacy for the award.
2. Team Success and Individual Impact
While individual statistics are crucial, the Ballon d’Or also weighs a player’s contribution to their team’s success. Haaland’s impact at Manchester City has been transformative. His arrival coincided with City clinching the treble in the 2022-2023 season, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. His goals were often pivotal, not just in volume but in timing—scoring when it mattered most in knockout stages or in title-deciding matches.
For the Ballon d’Or in 2025, if Manchester City continues to dominate both domestically and in Europe, with Haaland as the spearhead of their attack, his case strengthens significantly. His role in orchestrating City’s victories, whether through goals, assists, or sheer presence that forces defenses to adapt around him, will be key. The narrative of a player lifting their team to glory is a storyline that has often swayed voters in past Ballon d’Or decisions. Haaland’s potential to lead City to another treble or even a quadruple, considering the addition of competitions like the UEFA Super Cup, would make his individual accolades shine even brighter.
3. Global Impact and Recognition
Beyond raw numbers and team achievements, the Ballon d’Or also considers a player’s influence on the global stage. Erling Haaland’s emergence has not only been about his performances but also about how he has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. His style of play, characterized by speed, strength, and an almost ruthless efficiency, has made matches featuring him must-watch events.
Haaland’s international performances with Norway, although currently limited by the team’s competitive scope, continue to show his prowess. If Norway qualifies for major tournaments like the European Championships or the World Cup in the lead-up to 2025, Haaland’s performances could be the difference, providing him with international glory akin to what Messi and Ronaldo achieved with their respective national teams.
Moreover, his off-field impact, from his marketability to his growing list of endorsements, reflects his status as a global football icon. This aspect of his persona, while not directly part of the Ballon d’Or criteria, influences the broader narrative around his career, making him a figure whose achievements are celebrated beyond the pitch.
Final Verdict
Erling Haaland’s case for the Ballon d’Or in 2025 is built on a foundation of exceptional goal-scoring, significant contributions to team success, and an ever-growing global influence. If he continues to perform at the current level or better, adding trophies and personal milestones, his claim to the award would be hard to contest. The Ballon d’Or has historically been awarded to players who not only excel individually but also significantly impact their teams’ successes, and Haaland embodies this criterion like few others in recent memory.
As we approach 2025, the football world will watch closely. If Haaland can maintain his form, health, and hunger for success, he might just join the ranks of Messi and Ronaldo, not just as a phenomenal scorer but as a Ballon d’Or winner, etching his name into football lore.
