Erling Haaland was surprisingly unmoved after being given glowing praise for his goalscoring talents by hero Cristiano Ronaldo.
The duo went head to head during Friday evening’s glitzy Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on a number of occasions. The pair were both up for the Maradona Award for the best goalscorer of 2023, while they were also both nominated for the Best Footballer award.
Ronaldo claimed the former after netting 54 goals in 59 games for Al-Nassr and Portugal. Haaland notched 50 in 60 games for Manchester City and for the Norway national side. After collecting his latest award, Ronaldo took to the stage. During his speech, he talked up Haaland’s talents.
“I was the best goalscorer this season,” the now Al-Nassr forward said. “Imagine beating young animals like Haaland… I’m proud. And I’ll be 39 soon! I like when people doubt me again and then I’m successful. I don’t get affected by the criticism.”
The camera then panned to Haaland, who barely even flinched at Ronaldo’s words. The former Man United forward’s speech was not the only exchange that the pair shared throughout the evening.
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Haaland was eventually named the best player of the past year but before the award was announced, Ronaldo kept pointing at the Manchester City forward to suggest he deserved the gong. After the announcement, Haaland broke into a wide smile.
Despite being unmoved by Ronaldo’s actions, the striker is likely to be delighted having idolised the Portuguese as a child. Speaking to Norwegian media last year, he said: “I remember always watching him on YouTube for his movements in the box: He used to make two or three moves before attacking the space he wanted to be in.
Erling Haaland barely reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's claim (@GuardianFootball/Youtube)
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“It's kind of a duel in that situation with the centre-backs. It is important to time it perfectly. And the post must be good. If you don't get a good cross, you won't be able to score with your head.
“How Cristiano moves, and how he has managed to develop his game. You remember when he played in Manchester United and the first years in Real Madrid, to become more of a striker in Real Madrid.
“It is incredible for him that he manages. But also how he scores the goals. It is the small movements in the box, and being able to deceive the defenders.” he added.
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