“Am I the best?” – Erling Haaland reveals Ballon d’Or ambition amid Lionel Messi competition

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland believes he can win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi next month.

The 23-year-old is trying to prevent Messi from winning the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time after Erling Haaland was named on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award.

Haaland was one of seven current Manchester City players nominated for the Ballon d’Or last week, with the club’s three-time winning captain Ilkay Gundogan also shortlisted, following his move to Barcelona on a free transfer during the summer transfer window.

Josko Gvardiol, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Ilkay Gundogan, Julian Alvarez and Rodri are all on the list of 30 players to reach the 2023 Golden Ball final.

Manchester City set up treble record last season, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 appearances in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, breaking the Premier League scoring record and scoring six hat-tricks in all competitions.

The Norwegian has six goals in six games this season, then scored his fifth Premier League hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium last month.

The 23-year-old’s formidable form makes the striker the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, as Haaland looks to succeed former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who won the award last year 2022.

Speaking to France Football, Haaland believes he can win the title this year, despite Messi’s World Cup winning campaign with Argentina.

“I know I can still improve a great deal; I’m still young. But yes, I believe I have a chance this year,” revealed the Manchester City forward.

“In my mind, It all depends on what we mean by striker. It’s a trick question. I’m definitely up there. Am I the best? Maybe.”

“I’d like people to remember me as a special player, in the way I play. This is what I’m trying to do every week, show special stuff.”

Haaland was recently named the PFA Player of the Year, and previously won the FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season awards, following an incredible debut campaign at Manchester City.

The striker moved to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund for £51 million in June 2022.