Erling Braut Haaland battles Max Verstappen and Novak Djokovic for the prize
Erling Braut Haaland is one of just six nominees in the race to be named world sportsperson of the year by the BBC.
He will be challenged by Formula 1 star Max Verstappen, who plays alongside his rivals on his way to a new World Cup title. Tennis star Novak Djokovic is also in contention to win the award. He won three Grand Slam titles this season.
On Tuesday, the BBC announced this year’s six nominees for the award, which has been awarded since 1960. Among them is Erling Braut Haaland. He was very important for Manchester City when they won three titles last season.
American gymnast Simone Biles, South African rugby player Siya Kolisi and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí are among the final three nominees.
It is Lionel Messi who won the prestigious BBC award in 2022. A year earlier, racer Rachael Blackmore was at the top.
Only five times before in the award’s 70-year history has a footballer emerged victorious. Erling Braut Haaland could be the sixth. If so, he would follow in the footsteps of Eusebio, Pelé, Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others.
It is the public who choose the BBC award winners. Presented at a gala ceremony later this month, the award is given to a non-British athlete deemed to have made a significant contribution to their sport in the past year. (NTB)
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