Erling Haaland’s brilliance in 2023 has won him the Best Men’s Player of the Year prize at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, which were aired live on TNT Sports. The Norwegian striker was presented with the award to celebrate the 52 goals he scored in 53 games in all competitions in the 2022–23 season—his debut campaign in the blue half of Manchester. Haaland has netted 19 in 22 games this term.

Erling Haaland was named the Best Men’s Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.The Manchester City striker has scored 14 goals in 15 Premier League games this season and netted 52 in 53 in all competitions in his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

The Norwegian has been out with a foot injury since City’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa back in December, and Haaland has said that he is itching to return to action soon.“I hope [to be back] really soon, because I’m getting a bit sick of not playing,” he said upon receiving his award.“The people [have helped me settle in and perform at Manchester City]. The manager [Pep Guardiola] is not so bad as well. It’s a fantastic club, and the support we get from the administration and the leaders is massive. It’s a nice club, and I enjoy being here.”Haaland was also asked about his ringtone and whether it was still the UEFA Champions League theme song, which the striker had added before City lifted their maiden trophy in Istanbul in May last year, beating Inter Milan 1-0 thanks to a Rodri strike.“I do [still have the Champions League song as my ringtone],” he admitted with a chuckle. “I love the competition, and it was a big dream when we won it. A fantastic feeling.”

Pep Guardiola’s side sits second in the Premier League table, level on points with third-placed Aston Villa and two points off Liverpool in the top spot. The Sky Blues have a game in hand over Unai Emery’s Villa.The Citizens host Burnley next in the Premier League before a trip to Brentford on February 5.