‘World’s sexiest athlete’ Alica Schmidt challenges explosive Man City star Erling Haaland to a RACE… and has already beaten one of his former team-mates!

The woman dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ has called up Manchester City star Erling Haaland for a race – after beating a World Cup winner.

Alica Schmidt, who has won two European junior medals in the 4x400m relay, also acts as a model, has 4.3 million followers on the social media site Instagram and is on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Norwegian top star Haaland scored a staggering 52 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last season as City won the treble, aided by his impressive pace, power and acceleration, clocking a speed of over 36.5km/h last season.

But Schmidt, 24, who competed for Germany at the ongoing World Championships in Budapest, thinks she can beat the explosive striker in her favorite 400m event – although she admits she’d find it “harder” in the 200m.

She recently set a personal best in the 400 meters of 52.18 seconds (average about 27 km/h) and has supported herself against Haaland.

Schmidt was dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete” and has 4.3 million followers on Instagram

Her German team reached the final of the 4x400m mixed relay at the World Championships

The German sprinter stuck to her preferred 400m but admitted the 200m would be ‘more difficult’ against the Manchester City forward, who was clocked at 35km/h last season.

At the request of the Norwegian outlet Dagbladet If she could beat him in a race, the 24-year-old replied, “Hmm, I don’t know, maybe. I think, at 400 meters, yes. At 200 meters it would be more difficult. But I would be happy if the race continues.’

She was then asked when the race would take place and replied, “I don’t know, I have to ask him.” But I’m always ready.’

Schmidt then turned to the camera before adding, “So Haaland, if you’re ready to race I’d be happy. Let’s see who’s faster!’

Schmidt previously took on 2014 World Cup winner and Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels in a similar race two years ago and won comfortably.

The World Cup winning defender fell to the ground breathless after the race before telling Schmidt she ‘makes it look so easy.’

Schmidt’s Germany finished seventh in the final of the 4x400m mixed relay last week.

It’s worth noting that Hummels was 32 at the time and was never known for his speed, so Haaland would probably make a better challenge.

The striker had a mixed start to the new season. He scored a goal against Burnley in the opening game before failing to register in a thrilling 1–0 win over Newcastle. Pep Guardiola’s team will play against Sheffield United on Sunday.

In addition to sprinting, the 24-year-old German was featured on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list last year

Two years ago, she beat Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels in a 400m race