Ballon d’Or 2023: Fans Say Haaland Is 3rd, Name Winner Over Messi

• Erling Haaland could finish in third position in the race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or according to fans
• Fans believe another player could win despite Haaland winning the treble with Manchester City
• The fan's fan pick is also a Man City treble-winner and won the UEFA Nations League with Spain

Treble-winning Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, could finish third in the race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award despite his achievements in the recently-concluded season.

The Norwegian smashed several records and played a pivotal role as Pep Guardiola’s side won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup last season.

However, football fans are of the opinion that one of Haaland's teammates deserves the 2023 Ballon d’Or more.

Having been part of Guardiola’s historic side, midfielder Rodri won the UEFA Nations League with Spain and was named the player of the tournament.

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The 26-year-old was crucial as La Roja defeated Croatia via penalties to win the title at the De Kuip Stadium after the match ended 0-0 in regulation time.

It was also Rodri who scored Manchester City’s winning goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

Fans believe the performances of the midfielder could see the Spaniard cut some of Haaland's votes for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, despite the Norwegian's high chances of being crowned the best footballer.

Meanwhile, Messi is hoping for a record-extending eighth award after leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.

Fans: Rodri for Ballon d'Or

Fans have continued to praise Rodri, which they feel could see Haaland slump into third position in the final votes.

One fan tweeted, per SPORTbible:

"Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Nations League. MOTM awards in multiple finals. Rodri has completed football this season."

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Another asked:

"Will I get jumped if I said that Rodri should be getting those Ballon d’Or shouts over Mbappe and Vini?"

One more fan added:

"If Jorginho made top 3 in the Ballon D’or in 2021, then Rodri should be winning the Ballon D’or for winning the treble and winning the Nations League… Uncomfortable conversations."

When is Ballon d’Or 2023?

Sports Brief also reported on the date and time of 2023 Ballon d’Or, as the world awaits confirmation from France Football on who the best footballer of the past season is.

This year's awards ceremony will take place on October 30 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, and organisers have stated that it will start at 8pm local time.

Changes to Ballon d'Or rules

Sports Brief also previously reported on changes to the Ballon d'Or rules as the 2023 race for the award seemingly comes down to the wire.

The publication responsible for the annual gala, L'Equipe, announced changes to the coveted individual prize after Messi won for a 7th time.