The Ballon d’Or 2022, the most prestigious event in the football world, dazzled spectators at the Théâtre du Châtelet in the heart of Paris on October 17.
A momentous occasion unfolded as Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid star, was bestowed with the Ballon d’Or, marking the first time he claimed this recognition in his career. Benzema’s triumph highlighted the significance of hard work and perseverance in achieving greatness.
The journey towards this award is demanding. It takes unwavering dedication on and off the field. Yet, for those who surmount the challenges, the Ballon d’Or stands as the ultimate testament to their exceptional talent and achievements in football.
Anticipation builds as football enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner on October 30. Before that, excitement will surge as the nominees for various categories, including the Kopa Trophy, the Yashin Trophy, and the Socrates Prize, are revealed on September 6.
The approaching Ballon d’Or 2023 promises an enthralling talent showcase as players like Mbappe, Haaland, and other top contenders are vying to become the Golden Ball winner. Today we will try to predict who has the best chance of receiving the award. We also recommend you acquaint yourself with our forecasts for the EURO 2024 main favorites for gold.
Details of the Award Ceremony
In contrast to its previous format, the Golden Ball Award 2023 now aligns with the sports season calendar, resulting in modified selection criteria. The focus has shifted towards individual performances and remarkable attributes of the contenders. Collective accomplishments, trophies earned, and the player’s sportsmanship and elegance also carry weight in the evaluation process.
The jury has been limited to 100 voters to enhance the voting process’s credibility. It now comprises journalists from the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings, compared to the previous 170 voters. Furthermore, the Women’s Golden Ball winner is now determined by 50 voters.
Who Will Win the Ballon d’Or Award in 2023?
As the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, the performances exhibited by players throughout the calendar year will serve as the key determinant for recognition as the Golden Ball favorites. As a result, those who showcase extraordinary skills during the 2022/23 season will undoubtedly be in contention as nominees for this prestigious accolade.
The spotlight shines brightly on two exceptional athletes who have left a mark on the field, making them the primary Golden Ball 2023 contenders: Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
Lionel Messi
Club stats in 2022/23:
- Games: 41
- Goals: 21
- Assists: 20
World Cup stats:
- Caps: 7
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 3
Trophies:
- FIFA World Cup
- French Ligue 1
Individual awards:
- FIFA Men’s Best Player of 2022
The football world was surprised when Lionel Messi did not feature among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2022. However, the legendary player took the setback in stride, determined to adapt to his new team, PSG, and return even stronger. His determination and passion to prove his worth to the world remain unwavering.
But fear not, for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has again made a stunning comeback, leaving fans in awe with his remarkable performances for his club and the national team. Leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar, Messi confidently lifted the prestigious trophy, showcasing his immense talent and unwavering dedication. Such extraordinary success earned him the FIFA Men’s Best Player of 2022 title.
During his stint with PSG, Messi played a pivotal role in their triumph, securing the Ligue 1 title with a crucial draw against Strasbourg on May 27, 2023. Notably, he achieved a personal milestone by surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals in Europe’s top five leagues, reaching an impressive 496.
After moving to Inter Miami, the Argentine superstar quickly made his presence felt, debuting in the MSL side’s Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul and scoring a phenomenal goal from a free-kick.
In a recent interview, Messi humbly expressed his perspective on winning the Ballon d’Or 2023, revealing that he prioritizes his achievements with his club and the national team over individual accolades at this stage. His unyielding commitment to excellence continues to inspire fans worldwide.
Erling Haaland
Club stats in 2022/23:
- Games: 53
- Goals: 52
- Assists: 9
Trophies:
- Premier League
- FA Cup winner
- Champions League winner
Individual awards in his first season at Manchester City:
- Premier League Golden Boot winner
- Premier League Player of the Season
In the 2022/23 season, Erling Haaland proved to be an absolute star for Pep Guardiola’s team, captivating the Premier League with his extraordinary goal-scoring prowess, currently leading the league’s goal scorers’ chart.
His exceptional performances throughout 2022 have earned him a coveted place in the Best XI of The Best FIFA Football Awards.
One of Haaland’s notable achievements was setting a new world record for the most Premier League goals in a 38-game season, an astonishing feat of 35 goals, achieved during a breathtaking match against West Ham. The monumental success of his team in the 2022/23 campaign, clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles in a historic treble victory, further cements his credentials as a top player.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Haaland made a profound impact even during Manchester City’s pre-season game against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, where he returned to the scoresheet with a dazzling brace for his team.
With his dazzling displays and exceptional goal-scoring abilities, Erling Haaland has rightfully earned his place among the elite in world football, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his prowess on the pitch. As the race for the Ballon d’Or heats up, all eyes will be on this remarkable talent, eager to see if he can secure the ultimate accolade and further etch his name in footballing history as the 2023 Golden Ball Winner.
Conclusion
As the Golden Ball 2023 ceremony approaches, football fans are in for a treat, witnessing exceptional talents like Messi and Haaland vying for the ultimate accolade. Their remarkable performances and impact on the field have left the world in awe, making them strong contenders for the prestigious award. The anticipation is high, and the footballing world will soon know who will lift the coveted Golden Ball trophy.
FAQ
What is the Ballon d’Or, and when did it take place in 2022?
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious event in the football world, and it took place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, on October 17, 2022.
Who received the Ballon d’Or in 2022, and what significance did it hold?
Karim Benzema, the star from Real Madrid, was bestowed with the Ballon d’Or in 2022, marking the first time he claimed this recognition in his career. The triumph highlighted the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving greatness.
When will the winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or be announced, and what can we expect?
The winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be announced on October 30. The anticipation is high as exceptional talents like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are vying for the prestigious accolade, showcasing remarkable performances and leaving fans in awe.
