Erling Haaland possesses the goalscoring prowess to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, but Norway’s modest prospects on the international stage will likely block his path, according to Michael Owen. Speaking to Nettavisen during a Premier League trophy tour in Hasle, Oslo, the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner analyzed the Manchester City forward’s chances of claiming football’s ultimate individual prize.
Why International Success Blocks Haaland’s Ballon d’Or Path
According to Michael Owen, individual brilliance alone is not enough to secure the Ballon d’Or. Players depend on both personal excellence and massive team success, particularly in major international tournaments where international glory weighs heavily on voters’ minds.
When Lionel Messi won the 2023 Ballon d’Or over Haaland, the Argentine forward’s World Cup victory in Qatar played a decisive role, as reported by Nettavisen. Owen noted that while Haaland is unquestionably good enough to win the award, Norway’s unlikely chances of winning a World Cup or European Championship create a significant hurdle. Even though Norway reached the quarterfinals of a recent campaign—an achievement Owen described to Nettavisen as “incredible”—realistically, Manchester City must win the Champions League and Haaland must secure the tournament’s top scorer crown for him to claim the individual honor, according to the former striker.
The Unique Physical Threat of Manchester City’s Star
Since transferring from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, Haaland has accumulated 164 goals and 30 assists across 201 appearances for the club. Owen told Nettavisen that he finds it difficult to compare the Norwegian striker to anyone from his own playing era, calling him entirely unique due to his combination of size, speed, and finishing ability.
Did you know? Haaland set a new milestone for the Norwegian national team by October 2024, becoming its all-time leading goalscorer. He currently holds a remarkable record of 62 goals and 7 assists in 55 A-international matches, averaging 1.25 goal involvements per game.
“He is for stor, for sterk og for god,” Owen remarked to Nettavisen, emphasizing that defenders are left completely helpless when supplied with the right passes. Owen added that if the striker remains injury-free, he will surely secure another Premier League top-scorer title.
Haaland Versus Kane: The Tactical Debate
While defenders lose sleep over facing Haaland’s terrifying physical power, debate persists regarding whether he represents the most complete modern striker. Owen explained that if he had to choose a player to lead his team, he would select England’s Harry Kane every time.
Owen noted that Haaland’s reliance on his freakish physical attributes means his link-up play and first touch are not as refined as Kane’s. Kane’s all-round football intelligence, passing range, and eight-out-of-ten ratings across every technical category make him a uniquely complete footballer, even if he lacks Haaland’s sheer physical intimidation factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Erling Haaland win the Ballon d’Or while playing for Norway?
According to Michael Owen, winning the Ballon d’Or while playing for Norway is extremely difficult because major international tournament success heavily influences voting, and Norway is unlikely to win a World Cup or European Championship.
How many goals has Erling Haaland scored for Manchester City?
Since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has scored 164 goals and provided 30 assists in 201 matches.
What makes Erling Haaland difficult for defenders to stop?
According to Michael Owen, Haaland combines exceptional size, speed, strength, and precise timing in the penalty box, making defenders feel completely helpless during one-on-one duels and aerial crosses.
How does Erling Haaland’s international record compare to his club record?
Haaland maintains an extraordinary scoring rate for Norway, netting 62 goals in 55 A-international appearances to become the nation’s all-time top scorer.
Join the Conversation
Do you think Erling Haaland can eventually surpass Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or record, or does his international status limit his chances? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more football analysis.
Related reading
- US Open Payouts: How Much Chwalinska and Linette Earned
- Actor: Everton Action: torpedoed Object: a separate deal sending midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea
- Rare George Michael Guitar Sold at Auction: Relive the Magic of ‘Faith’ – George Michael Collectibles – Music Memorabilia Auctions (archyworldys.com)