Erling Haaland, recognized as one of football’s premier talents, continues his pursuit of the illustrious Ballon d’Or, an accolade marking the world’s best player. Despite his remarkable achievements as a top striker, Haaland faced a challenging path in securing this honor due to the complexity of earning such recognition as a forward in the current football landscape.
For the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Haaland was ranked 26th, a notable drop considering his previous nominations since 2021 had not seen him placed lower than 11th. This marks a significant moment in Haaland’s career, as it’s the lowest he’s finished since his initial nomination. Although nominated among the top 30 players for the fifth consecutive year, the Norwegian forward’s quest for the Ballon d’Or continues.
Haaland’s closest chance to clinch the award came in 2023 when he was the runner-up to Lionel Messi, who was celebrated for his World Cup triumph. During that year, Haaland amassed 357 voting points but was overshadowed by Messi’s 462 points.
While Haaland’s consistency is evident in the rankings, with a fifth-place finish in 2024 and a second-place finish in 2023, he is yet to secure the top spot. Historical data shows Norway and other Nordic countries have never had a player win the Ballon d’Or, highlighting the rarity and significance of such a milestone.
Despite not yet claiming the top prize, Haaland remains a formidable force on the field, and his determination reflects his commitment to achieving greatness. This resilience and talent keep the football world eagerly anticipating his future performances and potential triumphs.