Erling Braut Haaland has been rewarded for his brilliant 2022/2023 season as he scooped the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.
Haaland beat his Manchester City teammate Kevin de Bruyne and football legend Lionel Messi to win the coveted prize. The win by Haaland means that the award has been won by a Champions league winning player in all of the editions, except that of 2012.
Haaland had a fine 2022/2023 season scoring 52 goals in all competitions, including a record 36 goals in the Premier League, and helping City win the treble in his debut year.
Meanwhile, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola won the UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year Award, beating Simone Inzaghi who led Inter Milan to last season’s Champions League final and Luciano Spalleti who coached Napoli to their first league title in over 30 years.
UEFA held draws for the 2023/2024 Champions League Season, with some interesting clashes awaiting in the group stage.
Group F is undoubtedly the group of death, containing PSG, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle. Meanwhile, defending champions City are drawn in Group G with Leipzig, Crvena Zvezda and Young Boys.
UEFA also gave awards for women’s best player and best coach, with Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and England’s coach Sarina Wiegman winning the prizes.
