The Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in the world of football, arouses excitement and speculation among fans and pundits every year. And this year is no exception, with the list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2023 which was recently unveiled. Among the names on the list are world famous players such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema, who won the award last year.
Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is seen as one of the favorites to win the title again this year. Despite leaving PSG to join American club Inter Miami in MLS, Messi continues to impress with outstanding performances. His ability to score goals and distribute assists makes him one of the most talented players of his generation.
However, Messi won’t be alone in the Ballon d’Or race this year. The young Norwegian prodigy Erling Haaland is also one of the nominees. At just 23 years old, Haaland has already made a splash with his remarkable performances for English club Manchester City. His 52 goals in all competitions in his first season with the club made him one of the most formidable attacking players.
Another serious candidate for the Ballon d’Or is Kylian Mbappé. The young French striker has already demonstrated his exceptional talent during the 2022 World Cup, notably by scoring a hat-trick in the final. His impressive performances with Paris Saint-Germain last season and at the start of the season have allowed him to stand out and enter the list of nominees for the prestigious award.
Karim Benzema, meanwhile, will try to retain his Ballon d’Or title this year. The French striker had a fantastic season with Real Madrid and was a key part of the team as they conquered the world championship. His talent, leadership and influence on the game make him a serious contender to win the title again.
But who will succeed Alexia Putellas as the Women’s Ballon d’Or? The Spanish women’s world champion selection places five players in the list of nominees, including Salma Paralluello, Olga Cormona and Aitana Bonmati. These players all played vital roles in the Spanish side’s World Cup victory and are strong contenders for the award.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or promises to be a fierce competition between some of the best players in the world. The award ceremony will take place on October 30 in Paris, and until then, football fans will be eagerly awaiting the winners. 2023 looks set to be the year when a new generation of talented players will burst onto the scene, but the experience and class of players such as Messi and Benzema should not be underestimated. . All we have to do now is wait and see who will win the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year.