Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ruled soccer for over a decade. The duo won 12 Ballon d’Ors of the last 14 between them. The duo broke most of the goal-scoring records reaching new heights. No soccer star comes close when it comes to fan following of both. However, the era’s comes to an end. And that’s what the Manchester United legend feels. 

The new breed of soccer stars is ready to take over the mantle from Messi and Ronaldo. The two big names that make the list are Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Wayne Rooney thinks it is time for Haaland and Mbappe era, with Haaland favorite for this year’s Ballon d’Or with his goal-scoring form. 

Wayne Rooney thinks Lionel Messi isn’t a favorite for Ballon d’Or

Rooney has picked Manchester City forward to win the Ballon d’Or this year. His tremendous amount of goals has impressed the DC United manager this season. Haaland is in sensational form this season and has scored 48 goals for City in all competitions. 

While speaking to The Times, Rooney said, “Erling Haaland is the best footballer in the world right now. Lionel Messi is the greatest but, at this moment, nobody is playing better than a striker who — even though I broke records in that position myself — takes my breath away with the levels he’s reaching. He’s the best in the world because of the numbers he’s posting, the performances he’s putting in and the mentality he shows.”

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“If you’re looking at who is going to win the Ballon d’Or, then it has got to be him, providing he keeps up his form of this season. And why wouldn’t he? A record of 224 goals in 264 games is the mark of a player whose standards don’t drop. We’ve had the era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Now this is his time, the era of Haaland and Kylian Mbappé,” the United legend added.

Months After ‘Rat’ Jibe, Wayne Rooney Picks Cristiano Ronaldo Over Legends For Manchester United’s Mount Rushmore

Messi and Ronaldo have gone past the peak of their career. They are in the final few years of their careers. Other former players and pundits might echo the praise of Rooney for Haaland. Whether Haaland wins the coveted individual honor this year remains to be seen. But he has started making a name for himself with a great future ahead.

Ronaldo once took a rat jibe at Rooney

Who can forget the famous and explosive interview of Cristiano Ronaldo with Piers Morgan? Ronaldo went uncensored in the interview, taking jibes at the club, owners, managers, young players, and former players. One of them was Rooney.  

While speaking of the criticism by Rooney, the Portuguese took a rat jibe at the former English soccer star. The interview resulted in the Red Devils taking action on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. They terminated his contract with mutual consent. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Four Goals in a Game

What are the chances of Erling Haaland winning the Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi?