Erling Haaland Reaches 50 Champions League Goals, But Hands MOTM Award to Doku: “Ballon d’Or Is My Ultimate Goal”
Erling Haaland once again proved why he is regarded as one of the most unstoppable forces in football. Just 30 minutes ago, after Manchester City’s commanding win over Napoli in the Champions League, the Norwegian striker reached a historic milestone — his 50th goal in the UEFA Champions League. The achievement cements his name among the fastest players ever to hit such a number, and at just 25 years old, it signals that his dominance on the European stage is only beginning.
Haaland was unsurprisingly voted Man of the Match, an award that many fans and pundits felt was only natural given his scoring heroics and overall impact on the game. Yet, in a gesture that stunned both his teammates and supporters, Haaland handed the award to his young teammate Jeremy Doku, who had also delivered a brilliant performance with his blistering pace, assists, and tireless work on the wing.
In the post-match interview, Haaland’s humility and hunger were on full display. With cameras rolling, he smiled and said: “I don’t need these fancy things, the Ballon d’Or is my ultimate goal. Tonight, Jeremy deserves this one. He was electric and played a big part in our victory.”
The statement sparked immediate reactions across social media. Many fans praised Haaland not only for his goalscoring but also for his leadership qualities, showing that he values the collective spirit of the team over personal glory. Others pointed out that such a gesture proves Haaland’s mentality is already at the level of the greats — focused on legacy, trophies, and the highest individual honor football can offer.
Haaland’s 50th Champions League goal is a milestone that cannot be overlooked. Achieving it faster than most of the game’s legends, he has joined an elite club of footballers who dominate on Europe’s biggest stage. Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are inevitable, with pundits noting that if he maintains this form, Haaland could very well surpass their records in the coming decade.
Pep Guardiola, speaking after the match, also highlighted Haaland’s hunger: “Erling is special. He scores goals, but more than that, he pushes everyone around him to be better. Giving the award to Doku shows what kind of person he is. This is why he will achieve everything he wants in football.”
As for Jeremy Doku, the young Belgian could not hide his excitement at receiving the award from Haaland. “It means a lot when someone like Erling recognizes your effort. He pushes me every day in training, and I’m grateful to be playing alongside him.”
With the Champions League knockout stages approaching, City fans are buzzing with anticipation. Haaland’s form, combined with the rising talents around him, makes their team one of the favorites to lift the trophy once again. And while he may shrug off smaller accolades, his eyes remain firmly set on football’s ultimate crown — the Ballon d’Or.
One thing is clear: Erling Haaland is not just scoring goals. He is building a legacy.
