Erling Haaland: Didier Drogba Praises Man City Star For Doing His Celebration

Erling Haaland: Didier Drogba Praises Man City Star For Doing His Celebration

Elijah Odetokun
updated at November 8, 2023 at 8:02 AM
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  • Didier Drogba challenged Erling Haaland to do his or Gary Lineker's celebration
  • Haaland chose the Chelsea legend's style after scoring in the Champions League
  • Drogba responded with a post on social media hailing him for keeping his word

Didier Drogba has maximum respect for Erling Haaland after the Manchester City striker kept his promise during their conversation at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Haaland lost the race for the award to Lionel Messi but won the Gerd Muller Trophy as the best striker, having scored 56 goals last season to help City to the treble.

During the presentation by Gary Lineker, Drogba challenged the Norwegian to choose between either men's celebration for his next goal after the ceremony.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City, UEFA Champions League, Young Boys.
Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his first goal against Young Boys. Photo by MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

Per CBS Sports Golazo, the Premier League star opened the scoring for City against Young Boys from the penalty spot and opted for Drogba's iconic celebration.

Drogba applauds Haaland's celebration

The two-time African Footballer of the Year took to his social media and applauded the 23-year-old for keeping his promise, branding him a 'man of his words.'

The former Borussia Dortmund striker scored his second goal of the night with a powerful shot from outside the box after Phil Foden had doubled the lead earlier.

He scored his 39th UCL goals in just 34 appearances, five short of the 2012 winner's tally of 44 in 92 games.

The former Salzburg star is seen as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or next year, and manager Pep Guardiola has told him what he must do to win it.

"If he and his mates can win more trophies, then he will have a chance to win it," said Guardiola. "If he doesn't, then he won't win it."

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Messi beat Haaland by 105 points

Sports Brief reported on Messi winning the 2023 Ballon d'Or ahead of Haaland by a 105-point margin after France Football released the official voting details.

The World Cup winner had 462 points, while the Man City striker had 357 points. They received top votes from their respective nations: Argentina and Norway.

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Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.