Erling Haaland has been named the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League Player of the Year.
The 23-year old beat off competition from Lionel Messi and fellow Manchester City player Kevin De Bruyne to win the award.
This is the second award the Norwegian is winning in less than a week after he was named the PFA Player’s Player of the Year on Tuesday.
Haaland was instrumental for the Sky Blues as they achieved the treble last season by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
He broke a lot of records in the Premier League and the Champions League, with the most eye-catching being scoring the most goals in a Premier League season where he surpassed Allan Shearer and Andrew Cole’s previous best of 34 to net 38.
In the Champions League, Haaland was also exceptional as he netted 12 goals in 11 appearances to help his side win their first UCL title.
He is also currently the youngster and quickest player to net 35 Champions League goals- a feat he achieved during the 2022/23 campaign.
“I am honoured to have been named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year. There are so many top talents across Europe who could have won this award, so I am really grateful to everyone who voted for me,” said Haaland.
“We have an incredible team here at Manchester City and this accolade wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teammates, coaches and all of the staff at the Club.
“It was an incredible season for all of us and for me personally after securing the Treble. Lifting my first Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League was an incredible feeling and it’s a feeling we all want to share again this season.”
Haaland now succeeds Karim Benzema, who won this award last year after having helped Madrid win their 14th UCL.
