Haaland is the latest recipient of the Blue Horse award, which has been presented annually for the past 13 seasons, by the Sweden branch that currently has 580 members.
Every member can take part in a yearly voting for the player that has impressed the most during the season. Recent winners have included Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.
Find out more about our Official Supporters Clubs
“This tradition has become very important for our members. It shows a great commitment and provides a higher identification with the club,” Anders Rosén, Vice Chair of the Sweden branch says.
“More than one third of all members took part in the voting and the result of giving Erling the award was overwhelming.”
The prize, a wooden Blue Horse, is designed and carved and painted all by hand by Rättvik-based artist Jonny Gudmunds.
“The wooden horse has its origin in the province of Dalarna in Sweden,” said Rosen.
“From the beginning, horses were carved by hand in small farms during the long, cold and dark winter nights in Dalarna. Usually as toys or to sell. Today, it has become one of the strongest national symbols of Sweden.
“The most common colour of the wooden horse is red. But that would have been impossible for us, of course. So, we had our own blue horse designed.”
If you’d like to join or find out more about your local Official Supporters Club, you can register your interest here.
