Monaco: In a thrilling announcement made during the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco. Erling Haaland, the prolific striker for Manchester City, was named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for the 2022–23 season. This prestigious accolade recognises Haaland’s remarkable contributions to his team’s historic treble-winning campaign.
The 23-year-old Norwegian striker’s performance throughout the season left football fans worldwide in awe. Haaland showcased an unparalleled ability to find the back of the net, amassing an astounding total of 52 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions. His goal-scoring prowess was instrumental in helping Manchester City secure an unprecedented treble, comprising the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy.
In the Premier League, Haaland etched his name into the history books by netting an astonishing 36 goals, a new record for a single Premier League season. His scoring spree propelled Manchester City to clinch the Premier League title in emphatic fashion.
However, Haaland’s excellence extended beyond domestic competition, as he also dominated the European stage. He emerged as the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, tallying an impressive 12 goals in the tournament. His clinical finishing and ability to perform on the grandest of stages were key factors in Manchester City’s triumph in Europe’s premier club competition.
Haaland’s exceptional season was further highlighted by his triumph over formidable competitors in the race for the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award. He edged out his Manchester City teammate, Kevin De Bruyne, and the legendary Lionel Messi, who had a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami.
The final voting results underscored Haaland’s dominance in the race for the coveted prize:
- Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City): 352 points
- Lionel Messi (Argentina and Paris, now at Inter Miami): 227 points
- Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium and Manchester City): 225 points
- lkay Gündogan (Germany and Manchester City, now at Barcelona): 129 points
- Rodrigo (Spain and Manchester City): 110 points
- Kylian Mbappé (France and Paris): 82 points
- Luka Modric (Croatia and Real Madrid): 33 points
- Marcelo Brozovic (Croatia and Inter, now at Al Nassr): 20 points
- Declan Rice (England and West Ham, now at Arsenal): 14 points
- Alexis mac Allister (Argentina and Brighton, now at Liverpool): 12 points
- Jesús Navas (Spain and Sevilla): 6 points
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