Norway striker Erling Haaland was European player of the year last season in a UEFA poll. The 23-year-old Manchester City shooter turned his first to last three nominations into a win. The dominance of the English champions was highlighted by the success in the coaching category Pep Guardiola who helped lead the club to the desired glory in the Champions League.

Haaland ahead of Argentina World Cup captain Lionel Messi and his Manchester City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder also made the top three the previous year, which was dominated by French striker Karim Benzema.

Haaland scored a competitive 52 goals in the first season following his transfer from Dortmund. In the Premier League, the Norwegian shooter scored 36 goals and became the top scorer. With the team, he won the valuable “treble”, coupled with victories in domestic competitions and the FA Cup in the Champions League.

“I won the treble at the age of 22, I made my dream come true. In the new season, I have to keep a clear head. The opponent is more focused on me and the whole team, the public has high expectations of us,said Haaland after receiving the trophy.

The best soccer player award went to Spanish world champion Aitana Bonmatíová. The best coach is Sarina Wiegmanová from the Netherlands, who led the England national team to victory at the Euros a year ago and reached the final with her at the recently concluded world championships.

“I dedicate this award to the Spanish team, which played great football in the World Cup. We all know what goes on around their team, which impacts me as a mother of two daughters and as a human being. Women’s football is on the rise, but all sport and society have a long way to go.” said Wiegmanová, referring to the Spanish women’s dispute with their own coach, Jorge Vilda, and the subsequent case surrounding the head of the union, Luis Rubiales, who is facing allegations of sexual assault for kissing midfielder Jenni Hermosová during a match. ceremony.

Former striker Miroslav Klose accepts the UEFA President’s Award. The 2014 world champion is the top scorer for the German national team (71 goals) and with 16 goals he also leads the historical table of world championship top scorers.

Bonucci is waiting for the Champions League with Krále et al. Juventus will contribute half of Union’s wages

Photo: SCR Altach