Image Credit: Jacek Stanislawek
Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, was awarded the Ballon d'Or Gerd Muller Trophy, recognizing him as the best striker of the previous season. Haaland, who netted 56 goals for both club and country, expressed his simple philosophy: "It's my job, that's why I'm here, it's what I'm good at." The 23-year-old had an extraordinary debut season in the Premier League, breaking the record for most goals in a single season with 36 goals.
During the season, he also provided eight assists. Haaland, who became the third recipient of the Gerd Muller Trophy after Robert Lewandowski, reflected on the honor and the fantastic year his team had, clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
He credited his success to his teammates and expressed pride in their achievements. Didier Drogba, the host of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, challenged Haaland to use either his "arms out" celebration or Gary Lineker's "fists up" the next time he scores. Haaland left it as a surprise, saying, "I celebrate in the moment, so I'll think of both of you when I score my next goal and will decide!"
