‘That’s actually great’, ‘Haaland time is coming!’ – Man City fans react as Ballon d’Or set for radical shake-up after recent criticism

Following criticism of the 2023 event, UEFA will co-organize the renowned Ballon d’Or honors starting in the following year.

Lionel Messi won the men’s prize for a record seventh time in the most recent edition, which took place in Paris on Monday night. He finished ahead of forwards Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Paris Saint-Germain great Jerome Rothen called Messi’s most recent victory “disgraceful,” feeling the Argentine World Cup winner shouldn’t have placed been ahead of Haaland: “From August 2022 to June 2023, what criteria lead us to say that Leo Messi is above the others? There’s hardly any criterion where he’s number one. If we look at his record he’s inferior to Haaland.”

However, it was revealed a few days after the ceremony that UEFA will co-organize it starting the following year.

“UEFA will contribute its football expertise, market the global commercial rights and organise the annual awards gala,” a UEFA statement read.

“Together, UEFA and Groupe Amaury aim to enhance the stature and global reach of the awards while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the football community.”

Two brand-new awards have been introduced as a result of the collaboration between UEFA and the Ballon d’Or group, honoring achievement in the coaching area for both men and women.

The Kopa Trophy for the greatest under-21 player, the Yashin Trophy for outstanding goalkeepers, and the Gerd Muller Trophy for the highest striker will all still be given out in addition to the Ballon d’Or Feminin, which honors the best female players.

Though the women’s game has historically drawn harsh criticism, it is still unclear if the final three trophies will be given out to that category.

The Ballon d’Or group and UEFA’s partnership raises concerns about what will happen to FIFA’s The Best awards, which recognize the best players and managers in the globe every year.

The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@kudozian: “How convenient to announce this a few days after it was awarded”

@sayo_en: “Why didn’t they do it soooner”

@KDB_17GOAT: “Finally the robbery might stop”

@TKortleve: “That’s actually great, it won’t be biased anymore.”

@marttie: “Haaland time is coming!!!”

@LMandirunga: “It’s too late but I guess France football were also afraid that it was losing its credibility.”