In a historic moment for football, Lionel Messi has been named the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner, marking his eighth triumph in the prestigious award ceremony. The Argentine maestro, who has had illustrious stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain, dazzled the football world with his scintillating performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, steering Argentina to its first World Cup victory since the Maradona era in 1986. His exceptional skills didn’t just stop there; upon joining Inter Miami, he led the team to its first-ever trophy, further cementing his legendary status.
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This remarkable achievement sets Messi apart as the first player ever to win the Ballon d’Or eight times, surpassing his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five titles to his name. Messi’s stats for the year are nothing short of extraordinary, boasting 28 goals and 23 assists across 48 games.
Erling Haaland, the formidable Manchester City striker, was a strong contender for the award. His first season with the Cityzens saw him smashing records and contributing significantly to their treble victory in the 2022/23 season, with an impressive tally of 56 goals and nine assists in 57 games.
Kylian Mbappe, Messi’s former PSG teammate, secured third place. The French captain’s dazzling performance led his team to the World Cup final, where he made history by scoring a hat trick, although France ultimately conceded the title to Argentina in a penalty shootout.
Understanding the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most coveted individual accolades in football, presented annually by France Football magazine. Since its inception in 1956, it has been awarded to the world’s best male football player based on their performances over the calendar year.
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The 2023 Ballon d’Or Nominees
The 2023 edition saw a diverse array of talent vying for the top spot, with nominees from clubs across Europe showcasing the global reach and competitive spirit of football.
- Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
- Andre Onana (Manchester United)
- Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint Germain)
- Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
- Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
- Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
- Nicola Barella (Inter Milan)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal)
- Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
- Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
- Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona)
- Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
- Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Rodri (Barcelona)
- Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-German)
- Kim Min-Jae (Bayern Munich)
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
- Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
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Celebrating Football’s Finest at the Theatre du Chatelet
The glitzy 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony was hosted at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on Monday, October 30, 2023. The event was not just a celebration of individual brilliance but a testament to the passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the beautiful game. With Messi’s unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or win, the Argentine icon continues to redefine the boundaries of footballing greatness.
