England missed a trick there, with him being born in Leeds they could have probably got him in. Might actually win something then.
I meant more about the national team winning things with him as part of the team rather than his personal stats, although they would obviously also increase the more successful Norway were on the world stage. Just as an aside, Ronaldo and Messi had each other, who is Haaland in competition with would you say? I don't watch any world football so have no idea. Is he a future Balon d'or winner? It's just that when I think of legends I think of those who won the WC or Euros etc
Personally don’t think can take international trophies into it when talking about legends etc. plenty brilliant players born in weak international countries.
in recent history it's been shared by 2 largely and based on who won the European cur that year or who's won a world cup. it doesn't really need to go thst way obviously when a **** team like us win it but now the messi, Ronaldo axis is in the past finally we will in future see a few winners. mbappe shouldn't be one unless France win the world cup
It depends on how you describe legend. As Bisc says there are lots of great players from small countries but can they be described generally, as opposed to by their own countrymen, as legends? Without any in depth research, Bale, Lewandowski, Aubameyang, Zlatan - legends or very good players?
Depends on the player and situation. John Charles for example. Welsh legend at juventus wasnt it? Eusebio. Blah blah. It's not just what you win imo, see clarence seedorf for example. I'd not call him a legend.
Puskas won the Olympics with Hungary who were also World Cup finalists two years later, so he has a good international record. I think it's easier to say who were legends in past eras, it's the present day would-be legends that is harder to define.
Conaldo won 4 or 5 world player of the years before Portugal won a euros. his international record was beating up small teams and scoring goals. Haaland has one CL now. he will add more.
Not sure can count the Olympics as any great footballing trophy? Does anyone think messi is a better player now because he won the WC compared to a few years ago? I think Legends are generally always past players tbh. When ever I think of a legend they almost have to be retired to be counted in my mind. But like everything in football it’s subjective. Only have to look at the split between whether people think messi or Ronaldo is better, let alone before you throw maradona and Pele into the mix.
