Lionel Messi Clinches 2023 Ballon d’Or, Making It Eight in Total
Lionel Messi, the star of Inter Miami, has secured his eighth Ballon d’Or award in the 2023 edition, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
With this win, Messi now holds the world record for the most Ballon d’Or titles won by a single player, an achievement celebrated by his legion of fans.
Messi Triumphs in the 67th Ballon d’Or Edition
In the 67th edition of the Ballon d’Or, Messi outshone 30 other contenders to claim the prestigious title.
His remarkable achievements in the 2022 World Cup with Argentina contributed significantly to this victory, as he masterminded his team’s triumph in the tournament, leaving an indelible mark on the football world.
Erling Haaland Scoops the Gerd Müller Award
While Messi dominated the Ballon d’Or, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland had his moment of glory by winning the Gerd Müller award at the event.
This recognition was well-deserved, considering his incredible performance in the previous season, where he achieved a stunning treble for his club.
Victor Osimhen: A Historic Top-Ten Rank for Nigeria
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen made history by clinching the eighth spot in the Ballon d’Or rankings, marking the highest rank ever achieved by a Nigerian footballer in the history of the award.
This accolade serves as a testament to his exceptional efforts in leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during the previous season.
Jude Bellingham Claims the 2023 Kopa Trophy
Jude Bellingham, who secured the 18th spot in the list of the top 30 players, was named the 2023 Kopa Trophy winner, signifying him as the best under-21 football talent in the world for the year 2023.
The Real Madrid star has consistently impressed since his move to the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund in the previous summer.
Additional Accolades and Recognitions
Vinicius Jr., another standout player from Real Madrid, landed the sixth spot and won the Socrates award.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane, following his transfer from Tottenham to Bayern Munich, secured the 19th position in the rankings.
Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, found himself ranked 23rd on the list, while Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka claimed the number 24 position.
Outstanding Performances in Women’s Football
In the realm of women’s football, FC Barcelona Femeni was celebrated as the best club of the year, further solidifying its standing as a dominant force in women’s football.
Aitana Bonmati was honored with the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or award, recognizing her exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.