Former Senegal manager, Alain Giresse, has snubbed Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and named the favourite player to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.
Giresse believes this year’s Ballon d’Or will be between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, while Haaland, who helped Man City win the Champions League with 12 goals in 11 games, will be among the top three contenders.
Messi scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists in 41 games across competitions last season for Paris Saint-Germain, while Mbappe bagged 41 goals and provided 10 assists in 43 matches.
Both forwards were instrumental in PSG’s Ligue 1 title triumph.
“Mbappé and Messi both positioned themselves through the World Cup, Haaland the Champions League. These players emerge from major competitions that put them in the spotlight more than others,” Giresse said (via French Football Weekly).
“In addition, on an individual level, they have skills such that we can put them in the top three.”
He added, “Then, who to add? Not easy. Argentina? No. The French team? No. Manchester City? De Bruyne was in the trio last year (3rd). It is difficult, I don’t see any others. A favourite? Messi-Mbappé, it will be played between the two.”
