But there’s one trophy that still eludes him: the Ballon d’Or. In this article, DuitKick will dig deep into Haaland’s Ballon d’Or journey — the closest he has come, why he’s never won it (yet), and what it might take for him to finally claim it.
What Is The Ballon d’Or And What Does Winning It Mean
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in world football, awarded yearly by France Football to the player deemed best in the preceding season. It’s not just about goals: the award considers impact, trophies, individual excellence, and often narrative. With legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominating past decades, capturing the Ballon d’Or is a career-defining moment.
Winning the Ballon d’Or often cements a player’s legacy. It sends a message: not just one of great seasons, but of transcendent, era-defining impact. For Haaland — who is already on a trajectory to be considered among the all-time great forwards — lifting this trophy would validate his place among elite company.
Haaland’s Ballon d’Or Record: Nominations, Placings, And Snubs
Early nominations and rising expectation
Haaland first appeared on the Ballon d’Or radar during his time at Borussia Dortmund, with early nominations as his goal-scoring exploded. As he moved to Manchester City and delivered historic seasons, his profile as a contender intensified.
The closest he came: 2023 runner-up
In 2023, after a season where he scored 52 goals in 53 appearances and helped Manchester City win the treble, Haaland was widely predicted to win the Ballon d’Or. Instead, Lionel Messi claimed his eighth Ballon d’Or, edging out Haaland in the final voting. PN.com]) Haaland finished second, a heartbreaking margin given his statistical dominance.
That 2023 edition remains Haaland’s highest finish to date.
Later ballots and diminishing returns
In subsequent years, Haaland’s Ballon d’Or finishes have slipped. His performances remain stellar, but votes have drifted as other candidates emerge and narratives shift.
So to answer the question plainly: no, Haaland has never won the Ballon d’Or.
Why Hasn’t Haaland Won It? Major Factors At Play
Trophy haul vs. individual impact
One of the most discussed reasons is that while Haaland’s goal-scoring is unmatched, the Ballon d’Or often demands more than numbers. Voters typically reward players who also deliver in signature moments, lead their teams to enduring success in elite tournaments, or carry a narrative of influence. In 2023, even with his goals and treble, Messi’s World Cup narrative and iconic status were harder to outweigh.
Voter bias, narrative, and reputation
Ballon d’Or voting is inherently subjective. History, reputation, and narrative weight heavily. Messi’s global stature, past success, and influence among journalists likely contributed to his edge over Haaland. Some argued that Haaland’s lack of international tournament success with Norway also weaker his “story” compared to players with more eye-catching national team achievements.
Timing, form, and competition
The Ballon d’Or is awarded for a defined period. Slight dips in form at key moments, injuries, or being overshadowed by another player’s moment can weigh heavily. There have also been years when multiple stellar candidates vie for the top, diluting votes.
International limitations
Unlike Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, or others, Haaland has not yet translated his club dominance into major tournaments with Norway. Such achievements often sway voters, especially in World Cup or European Championship years.
Could Haaland Win The Ballon d’Or In The Future?
Absolutely — and there are signs pointing in that direction. Below are the keys that might unlock that elusive trophy:
What he needs to do
- Deliver in signature moments — Champions League deciders, big finals, clutch goals.
- Sustain dominance across competitions — Not just domestic leagues, but European and international performance.
- International breakthrough — A World Cup, Euro, or major qualifying run with Norway would boost his narrative.
- Healthy consistency — Avoid injuries or form dips during voting periods.
- Growing legacy and respect among voters — Over time, narratives catch up to statistical brilliance.
How close he already is
Haaland’s 2023 season was a statement. He won the Gerd Müller Trophy, set multiple scoring records, and claimed the treble. He is one of the few players whose numbers demand recognition; it’s just a matter of aligning narrative, trophies, and timing.
If he can push through a season where he’s both the statistical and narrative standout — especially during major tournaments — he may well finally claim a Ballon d’Or.
Comparison With Other Ballon d’Or Legends
Messi & Ronaldo: The benchmark
Messi has claimed the award a record eight times; Ronaldo five times. Their consistency, influence, and championship pedigree have set a gold standard.
Other defenders and midfielders
Winning typically demands more than being a goal-scorer. Midfielders like Modrić, or defenders like Beckenbauer, have leveraged tactical mastery, leadership, and championship haul to win. Haaland’s challenge is to show he brings more than goals — he brings influence, consistency, and turning matches.
Recent trends favor forwards
In recent years, forwards with high goal contribution have had the up. That trend benefits Haaland — but it still demands a standout, almost untouchable season to rise above the crowd.
Conclusion
Did Haaland win the Ballon d’Or? Not yet. But he came agonizingly close in 2023, finishing as runner-up after a record-shattering season. The Norwegian phenom has all the ingredients: goals, consistency, dominance. What he still needs is the perfect narrative, the international breakthrough, and that extra burst at the right moment to seduce voters and edge out rivals.
At DuitKick, we believe that his time will come — maybe sooner than many expect. If you want to follow Haaland’s journey (ballon d’or rankings, stats, or transfers), stick with us. Sign up for our updates and never miss a moment in his quest for the Ballon d’Or.
