Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has admitted that wants to win the Ballon d'Or in his career, but insisted that he was focused on winning trophies with his team.
The Norwegian striker has been in scintillating form since signing for City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window, registering 27 goals and three assists in 24 matches. Haaland has already broken several records with his spectacular performances this season, becoming the first player to score 20 Premier League goals before the turn of the year.
Haaland finished 11th in the Ballon d'Or rankings in 2021, with the 22-year-old recording 33 votes. He scored 41 goals in all competitions for Dortmund in that calendar year. The forward improved on his position the following year and finished in 10th place in 2022 - although many felt that he should have been higher.
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While Haaland is not motivated by individual success, he has admitted that 'cares' about winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or at some point in his career. However, the Norwegian ace was quick to insist that his main focus was winning trophies and performing well for his teammates.
"I think everybody cares," Haaland told GQ. "But I don’t think it’s a good thing to think about this. If you and your team are playing really well, you will perform well, you will begin to win trophies, [and] you will probably be on the list.
"Like De Bruyne was – he was third place, I think well deserved, by the way. But yeah, you cannot think of these kinds of things."
The 22-year-old, who could realistically operate the top level for another decade-plus, also believes that he can continue to improve as he gets older - using Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema as an example. The Frenchman won the Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career last year.
Haaland added: "Look at Benzema, he is 35 now and I think even better. So in 12 years I hope to be even better than I am now."
The Norwegian frontman is expected to feature for Pep Guardiola's side in the upcoming Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.
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