Erling Haaland could net an extraordinary Manchester City bonus this month - but Lionel Messi stands in the way of it.
Haaland has lit up the Premier League since arriving in Manchester last year, scoring 36 goals in 35 games to scoop the division's Golden Boot award.
Since the inaugural Premier League season in 1992, no player has scored more times in a single English top flight campaign.
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Haaland also played a major role in City's Champions League success last term, netting on 12 occasions in just 11 appearances.
He has started this season in similarly stunning fashion, with nine goals in 10 matches - although he is yet to get off the mark in Europe across two matches.
All that has led to the Norwegian being shortlisted to win the 2023 men's Ballon d'Or, and he is one of the favourites to lift the award.
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It is reported that the 23-year-old could earn a stunning £1 million bonus if he does win the prestigious award, to add to the reported £1 million for winning the Champions League.
Messi, however, stands in the striker's way. Now playing in MLS with Inter Miami, winning the World Cup with Argentina last December - which falls in the judging timeframe for the award - means he is the overwhelming favourite.
On the face of it, it could end up being a two-horse race between Messi and Haaland. While the Barcelona legend would scoop the award for a record eighth time, Haaland is yet to win it during his short yet successful career.
Speaking to France Football prior to the World Cup about his chances, the Norwegian replied: "I'm definitely up there [as one of the best strikers in the world]. Am I the best? Maybe.
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"I know I can still improve a great deal. I'm still young. But yes, I believe I have a chance this year."
We will find out the winner of the men's and women's Ballon d'Or awards on October 30, with the trophies presented at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Premier League, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
Ryan Smart