Manchester City goal-getter Erling Haaland has been crowned UEFA Men’s Player of the year ahead of club teammate Kevin De Bruyne and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi.
The 22-year had a wonderful first season in England was a movie as he won the Premier League being the top scorer, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions league being also the top scorer.
Haaland was in competition with Kevin De Bruyne who provided the most assists in the Champions league last season and Lionel Messi who won the World Cup with Argentina.
However, the Norwegian arguably claim the trophy ahead of the other two for his influence on Skyblues’ triumphant season.
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“I am honoured to have been named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year. There are so many top talents across Europe who could have won this award, so I am really grateful to everyone who voted for me. We have an incredible team here at Man City”, Haaland said receiving the award.
“This accolade wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teammates, coaches and all of the staff at ManCity. It was an incredible season for all of us and for me personally after securing the Treble.
“Lifting my first Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League was an incredible feeling and it’s a feeling we all want to share again this season.
“And it also gives me so much motivation to keep on working, to achieve more of the trophy that stood there [UCL], and also this [UEFA Men’s Player of the Year], this is also really nice. It’s free motivation, and I’m so happy.
“Of course, I feel good. What more can I say? I won the treble at 22-years-old, and I’m living the dream. This was my dream when I was young, so to be able to do this together with my teammates is something special of course. I’m really happy…”
In addition, Pep Guardiola is named coach of the year while Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Player of the year Award.