Haaland facing a challenge, and Messi possibly changing the norm?

Iti911

Sports experts on forums should be well aware that recently, the Ballon d'Or nominees have finally been announced, sparking widespread discussions in the football world. In this list of 30 players, there are many familiar names, but also some former superstars who missed out. This signifies that the world of football is gradually entering a period of transition, with young talents emerging.

Messi and Ronaldo, as the twin stars of football, have moved away from European football, and it's believed that it will be challenging to see them nominated for the Ballon d'Or again. Additionally, this year, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the list of nominees, signaling the end of the Portuguese star's glorious era. Similarly, Neymar, who turned 30, has missed out on the list for the second consecutive year since moving to the Saudi Arabian league. It's a pity for the Brazilian forward, as despite his immense talent, he has never reached the pinnacle of individual honors. Perhaps the phrase "different strokes for different folks" best describes Neymar's career.

Currently, the prevailing prediction is that Messi is leading the pack, with Erling Haaland being the only one who might come close, although it's unlikely. Therefore, this year's Ballon d'Or has once again sparked controversy. Even if Haaland wins more championships, it seems to have little effect; Messi appears to be changing the "norm"...

Last year, the Ballon d'Or changed its selection criteria, no longer considering the natural calendar year but adopting the usual football season used by major European leagues. The World Cup held at the end of last year was also included in the consideration. Argentina's victory over France in last year's World Cup made Lionel Messi a deserved frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or.

However, winning the World Cup doesn't necessarily mean winning the Ballon d'Or. The last time a World Cup winner also won the Ballon d'Or was back in 2006 when Fabio Cannavaro did it. In 2010, Spain won the World Cup, but Messi outshone all Spanish players, breaking the "norm" of World Cup champions winning the Ballon d'Or.

In the subsequent years of 2014 and 2018, Ballon d'Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric failed to lift the World Cup in the same year. Unexpectedly, this year, the Ballon d'Or seems to be linked to World Cup performance again. Messi may change the "norm" he broke over a decade ago, reconnecting the World Cup with the Ballon d'Or. Although it's widely believed that the only competitor Messi might have is Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe is likely to be excluded from the list of winners.

As for Haaland, in his first year at Manchester City, he helped the team achieve a treble and became the top scorer in major competitions such as the Premier League and the Champions League. However, due to Norway's relatively weaker national team, unable to participate in international tournaments like the World Cup, Haaland's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or in tournament years will be very challenging. This regret may persist throughout Haaland's entire career. Even for players who have achieved a treble, winning the Ballon d'Or on the international stage is not guaranteed, as was a matter of great controversy during his time at Inter Milan. In that year's Ballon d'Or, it was not awarded to Inter Milan's Milito and Sneijder, nor to Spain's Xavi and Iniesta but went to Messi. It seems that in people's perception, scoring goals is still quite important.

Every year, the Ballon d'Or is accompanied by various voices and controversies. If Messi ultimately wins, it will be a rare occasion for a player not from European and South American leagues to receive this award. With the departure of players like Messi and Ronaldo, as well as older veterans like Modric and Benzema, the world of football will undoubtedly enter a new era starting next year, with Mbappe, Haaland, and other young stars taking the stage and embarking on a fresh chapter.

Jiger955

It indeed seems highly likely that Messi will win the Ballon d'Or this time.

Janak9955

It's time to let the next generation of players shine.

Jafar224

Is Haaland going to replace Messi now?

Nihar991

Haaland is really a good football player.

Shri333

I like Haaland so much.

Jiger955

Haaland has potential to became next superstar.