Haaland wins UEFA men’s player of the year award; Aitana Bonmati bags women’s prize
The Hindu
Erling Haaland & Pep Guardiola win UEFA awards; Aitana Bonmati & Sarina Wiegman address Spanish football turmoil. Haaland (22) won treble with City, Bonmati (25) helped Barcelona to Champions League & Spanish league titles. Wiegman dedicated award to Spain women's team.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and manager Pep Guardiola won UEFA awards on Thursday for the best men's player and coach of the year as women's winners Aitana Bonmati and Sarina Wiegman addressed the turmoil in Spanish football in their speeches.
Norwegian Haaland beat his team mate Kevin De Bruyne and 2022 World Cup champion Lionel Messi after helping City win three major trophies — the Champions League, English Premier League and FA Cup.
The 22-year-old, who on Tuesday was named England's Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year, scored 52 goals in 53 matches across all competitions last season.
"I won the treble at the age of 22. I'm kind of living the dream," he said at the ceremony in Monaco.
"This season is about keeping my head clear. Even more eyes will be on me and my team after winning the Champions League. We have to be sharper and more prepared."
Guardiola was voted for coach of the year ahead of Italians Luciano Spalletti, who led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, and Simone Inzaghi whose Inter Milan side were Champions League runners-up and won the Italian Cup.
The Spanish manager was not present to receive the award as he is recovering from his back surgery.
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