Erling Haaland, Once Again, in the Race for the Ballon d'Or

Erling Haaland, the unstoppable Manchester City striker, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d'Or. This nomination solidifies his status as one of the planet's most lethal footballers, following a third consecutive season of top-level performance since his arrival at the club in 2022. In the 2024/25 campaign, the 25-year-old Norwegian was a formidable offensive force, tallying 34 goals and five assists across all competitions.

Haaland started the season in spectacular fashion, proving from the very beginning that his scoring instincts are as sharp as ever. The striker scored seven goals in his first three league matches, including two consecutive hat-tricks in City's victories over Ipswich and West Ham. By the end of the Premier League season, Haaland had a total of 22 goals, the third-highest tally in the league. A notable fact is that, among the top five goal scorers, he was one of the players who scored the fewest goals from the penalty spot, which highlights the quality of his goals from open play.

As has become customary during his time at City, Haaland once again proved to be decisive in moments of high pressure. His goals in crucial victories against Tottenham and Fulham in the final stretch of the season were fundamental in securing the team's qualification for the Champions League for the fifteenth consecutive season. His strong performance also extended to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where he scored three goals in four matches, guiding his team to the knockout rounds.

The Qualities of an Elite Goalscorer

Erling Haaland is a complete striker who combines physical strength and technical skill with exceptional game intelligence. His speed and acceleration allow him to exploit spaces and leave any defender in his wake. His imposing physique (6 feet 4 inches) makes him a constant aerial threat and allows him to protect the ball with great effectiveness.

However, what truly sets him apart is his goal-scoring instinct. Haaland has an innate ability to position himself in the right place at the right time, a precise shot with both feet, and a composure in front of the goal that makes him lethal. His tactical discipline and constant pressure on opposing defenders are also characteristics that make him the elite striker Manchester City was looking for.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held on Monday, September 22nd, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, where the winner will be crowned.