Jamie Carragher explains why it will be difficult for Man City talisman Erling Haaland to win next Ballon d'Or

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland will struggle to win the next Ballon d'Or because he represents Norway internationally.

Haaland seemed a shoo-in to win the Ballon d'Or this year after scoring a whopping 52 goals in all competitions for the Blues. He ended the campaign not only top goalscorer in the Premier League but also the Champions League as City went on to complete the Treble.

However, he somehow missed out on the Ballon d'Or this year after the jury decided to award Lionel Messi with his eighth after he captained Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar. The decision was met with confusion by some who felt Haaland was going to go all the way a dethrone the Inter Miami forward.

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According to Carragher, if Haaland thinks he will secure the trophy for the first time next season, he could be sorely mistaken. Explaining who is in contention for the top prize on CBS Sports Golazo, the 45-year-old said: "I think it will be really difficult for Haaland due to the country he plays for.

"Unless maybe Manchester City do another Treble or he's amazing in the Champions League again." The former Liverpool man believes Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane and PSG's Kylian Mbappe are all better placed because their countries are likely to reach Euro 2024 next summer.

Explaining his reasoning, Carragher added: "He [Bellingham] plays for a club who have got a great opportunity of winning the European Cup. Along with France, Kylian Mbappe would have a great opportunity as well and who knows?

"The other players I have just