Erling Haaland displayed an unexpected composure despite receiving effusive praise for his goal-scoring prowess from his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. The two football stars engaged in several face-offs at the glamorous Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday evening. Both were contenders for the Maradona Award as the top goal-scorer of 2023 and were nominated for the Best Footballer award.

Ronaldo secured the former accolade, citing 54 goals in 59 appearances for Al-Nassr and Portugal, while Haaland achieved 50 goals in 60 games for Manchester City and the Norway national team. During Ronaldo’s acceptance speech, he lauded Haaland’s abilities, expressing pride in outperforming “young animals” like him. Despite turning 39 soon, Ronaldo welcomed skepticism, emphasizing that criticism doesn’t affect him.

Haaland’s reaction to Ronaldo’s accolades was subdued; he barely flinched at the forward’s words. Throughout the evening, Ronaldo persistently pointed at Haaland, suggesting he deserved the Best Player award. When Haaland eventually received the honor, he broke into a wide smile.

Despite his seemingly indifferent demeanor, Haaland likely feels elated, given his admiration for Ronaldo since childhood. In a previous interview with Norwegian media, Haaland revealed watching Ronaldo on YouTube to study his box movements. He praised Ronaldo’s evolution from a winger at Manchester United to a prolific striker at Real Madrid, emphasizing the importance of timing and positioning in scoring goals. Haaland acknowledged Ronaldo’s incredible skill in making subtle movements in the box and deceiving defenders.

Cristiano Ronaldo

This season he played in total 18 times for 1616 minutes for Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo  scored 19 goals for Al Nassr. He procured 9 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Pro League. In the last match Al Nassr won 4-1 against Al Taawon. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Fateh.

Al Nassr performance and stats

It will be Al Nassr ended the league in the 2nd position with 46 points.

In the last 19 games, it has won 15 times, drawn once, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Al Nassr won 1-4 against Al Taawon.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 55 goals and conceding 23.​

Al Nassr will play the next match in Pro League against Al Fateh on Wednesday 14th of February in Riyadh.​

Erling Haaland

This season he played in total 15 times for 1296 minutes for Premier League.

Erling Haaland  scored 13 goals for Manchester City. He procured 4 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Premier League. In the last match Manchester City won 3-2 against Newcastle United. The next match in Premier League will be against Burnley.

Manchester City performance and stats

Manchester City is currently 2nd in the Premier League with 43 points.

In the last 20 games, it has won 13 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Manchester City won 2-3 against Newcastle United.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 48 goals and conceding 23.​

Manchester City will play the next match in Premier League against Burnley on Wednesday 31st of January in Manchester.​