ESPN expert Craig Burley urged Ellyn Haaland to "never go back" to the "grandstanding" Ballon d'Or if he loses to Lionel Messi.
France Football has announced the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or. Notably, five-time champion Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the shortlist, having been mediocre at the Qatar World Cup before moving to the Saudi Pro League in January.
By contrast, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is the frontrunner for this coveted award.
After a lackluster two-year career with Paris Saint-Germain, the 36-year-old moved to Major League Soccer to continue his career, but he still led Argentina to victory in World Cup last December.
Haaland, meanwhile, had an extraordinary season as he broke Premier League goal records and even won a historic treble with Manchester City. His treble merit qualifies him for the prestigious honour and appears to be Messi's strongest rival.
Former Chelsea and Scottish midfielder Burleigh believes Haaland should win this year's award for his magical performances at the club, even suggesting he boycott the Ballon d'Or if he is defeated by Messi in the future.
Burleigh told ESPN through the Sports Bible: "If Haaland doesn't win this game, shut down the store." Although Messi won the World Cup, which is indeed a great achievement, it is only a month-long event, and it is not that many games. On the other hand, his performance in the league was not the best, especially in the Champions League, where Paris Saint-Germain was too bad. ”
Haaland, on the other hand, has over 50 goals a season, a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a Champions League title. So, Haaland deserves this award, I know a lot of people can't get rid of the pursuit of Messi, there will be a lot of journalists to vote for Messi. But in reality, Haaland has been successful for a long time, so he deserves to win the award, but the result may be sentimental grandstanding - Messi wins the World Cup, Messi is this, Messi is that. ”
Haaland's rapid rise since joining Manchester City has put him on par with other football greats.
The Ballon d'Or winner will be revealed at a gala at the Théâtre de Châtelet in Paris on October 30, will Messi win his record eighth Ballon d'Or? Or did Haaland win his first Ballon d'Or and thus usher in a new era once and for all?
The answer to all this is not far off.