Erling Haaland wins the 2023 Gerd Muller Trophy

Erling Haaland has been awarded the 2023 Gerd Muller Trophy during the Ballon d’Or ceremony for his incredible debut season with Manchester City.

The Norwegian striker netted a blockbuster 36 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 season as his side won the top flight title as well as the Champions League and FA Cup. He finished the campaign with 52 strikes in all competitions.

The prize had been awarded to Robert Lewandowski in both its previous iterations in 2021 and 2022 – when it was named Striker of the Year – and also includes goals scored for national teams.

Haaland’s arrival was a game-changer for City. His incredible goalscoring form made City strong favourites for the Premier League title and proved crucial as Pep Guardiola’s side overhauled Arsenal to finish top of the English standings.

The 23-year-old has also been billed as Lionel Messi’s biggest challenger for the Ballon d’Or award.

Kylian Mbappe finished as runner-up and Harry Kane came third.