The 2023 Ballon d’Or kept the soccer fraternity glued to their televisions. So far, they handed exciting awards to various soccer players under diverse categories. Among them, Erling Haaland, who was widely backed to win the Ballon d’Or, won a special trophy. But it isn’t his prestigious award that has brought him into the spotlight. Apparently, he received a fascinating challenge from the ceremony’s host, Didier Drogba.

Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding the coveted Ballon d’Or continues to captivate fans around the world. Yet, the challenge from Drogba stole the show. 

Didier Drogba challenges Erling Haaland at the Ballon d’Or ceremony

Moments ago, Erling Haaland was awarded the Gerd Muller trophy. They gave a special honor to the player who has been one of the best strikers throughout the season. Notably, they named the award after the legendary German striker Gerd Muller. The youngster received the award from Gary Lineker as they showcased all his 56 goals during the season. 

After receiving the award, he gave a beautiful speech. While quoting words, Drogba asked him about his celebration. The Chelsea icon first explained his and Lineker’s celebration while imitating Haaland’s celebration. Surprisingly, Drogba then challenged the Manchester City star to imitate his own or Lineker’s celebration for his next goal.

Interestingly, the Norwegian replied, “We’ll see in the next goal. I mean, I celebrate in the moment. So, I would think both of you when I score my next goal and then I’ll decide.”

Indeed, this was quite an intriguing challenge that Drogba gave Haaland. It remains to see if the City striker manages to complete his challenge. Notably, Haaland has usually celebrated his brilliant goals by sitting on the field and doing a yoga meditation pose. However, this brings up another question: Is there any meaning to Haaland’s celebrations? 

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What is the meaning of Haaland’s yoga meditation celebration?

The Norwegian’s distinctive goal celebration features him sitting on the ground in a meditative posture, with his wrists placed on his knees and his thumb touching one of his fingers. We know this pose as the ‘Lotus’ position in yoga. It resonates with finding peace, calmness, and inner serenity. In fact, in an interview, he revealed that the reason he does this celebration is that he loves to do yoga.

Perhaps the reason why Haaland can score such goals is because he has mastered yoga, which helps him focus on the pitch. Additionally, this celebration has gained such recognition that they have featured it in recent iterations of the FIFA video game. Be that as it may, it is quite interesting to see Haaland indulge in such off-field practices to keep him ahead of the crowd.

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