Erling Haaland donned a steely look as Cristiano Ronaldo described himself as the ‘best goalscorer’ in the world at the Globe Soccer Awards on Friday.
The Manchester City goalscorer, Erling Haaland, claimed the men’s best player title at the ceremony in Dubai, beating Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the top prize.
However, despite Ronaldo suggesting that Haaland was the deserved winner of the accolade, the Portuguese still backed up his own goalscoring attributes after another stellar year.
The 39-year-old superstar scored more goals than any other player last season – 54 strikes for club country – and celebrated his achievement by winning the the Globe Soccer Maradona Award for most goals scored in a calendar year.
He was also awarded the titles of the best Middle East player and the fans’ favourite’ player of the year.
Ronaldo used his podium speech to hint at a possible retirement in the future. Moreover, he also boasted about his own achievements while Haaland and his Man City team-mates watched on.
‘I was the best goalscorer. I had to beat the young lions, like Haaland for example, so I’m proud,’ stated Ronaldo.
‘And I still look good, so I’m proud,’ he added while smiling on stage.
The Al Nassr striker – formerly of Sporting Lisbon, Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus – revelled in the limelight as he held onto another individual title.
However, Haaland remained emotionless to the comments as cameras turned to show him with both arms resting on the side of his seat.
In contrast to Ronaldo, Haaland used his winners speech to thank his Man City team-mates for helping him star with a 52-goal haul during his debut season in English football as City won the fabled Treble.
‘First of all, the guys sitting here [teammates] are a bunch of amazing people. And my manager of course.
‘It’s a fantastic club and the support we players get from the administration and the leaders of the club is massive as well. I really enjoy being there.’
Manchester City are currently out in the UAE for warm weather training before returning to face Burnley on January, 31.