Erling Haaland was awarded the prestigious title of the 2023 BBC World Sport Star of the Year during the BBC Sport Personality of the Year awards ceremony this evening.The City and Norway striker triumphed against strong competition from the other five finalists, as determined by a public vote, to win the prestigious trophy. The remaining participants included renowned American gymnast Simone Biles, Spanish and Barcelona sensation Aitana Bonmati, tennis great Novak Djokovic, South Africa’s rugby union captain Siya Kolasi, and Formula One world champion Max Verstappen.

The award, previously named the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, was created in 1960 to recognize a non-British sports figure who has made a significant impact on their sport during a specific year. There is little doubt that City’s Norwegian forward, Haaland, accomplished exactly that during his remarkable and record-breaking debut season at the Etihad. After transferring from Borussia Dortmund to City in the summer of 2022, Haaland enjoyed a spectacular first season at the Etihad Stadium, with his goals playing a crucial role in the Club’s remarkable Treble campaign.

Undoubtedly, Haaland has had a significant and immediate influence on the Premier League, setting numerous records while assisting City in winning their third consecutive league title, as well as clinching victories in the FA Cup and Champions League. Haaland’s tally of 52 goals in a single season stands as the highest number of goals scored by a player at a Premier League team, as well as the most goals ever achieved by any player in Manchester City’s prestigious 129-year history.

The 23-year-old individual also established a fresh Premier League record by achieving 36 goals, accomplishing six hat-tricks in the process. Additionally, he secured the title of highest scorer in the Champions League, netting 12 goals as City triumphed in the esteemed European competition for the first time. Erling has consistently maintained an impressive scoring rate during the first half of the 2023/24 season. He has scored 19 goals in 22 matches and played a crucial role in helping City win the 2023 UEFA Super Cup in August. Currently, his focus is on assisting City in their pursuit of winning the FIFA Club World Cup. Haaland is in Saudi Arabia for this esteemed international tournament, representing Pep Guardiola’s team in Jeddah.