In the 2023/24 season, Haaland was unstoppable. He shattered records and consistently topped the goal-scoring charts, leaving defenders helpless in his wake. With his imposing presence in the box, exceptional positional awareness, and ability to score from nearly any angle, Haaland became the focal point of Manchester City's attack. His dominance was not limited to the Premier League; he excelled in all competitions, proving his worth on the grandest stages in European football.

As Haaland continued to dominate, his goal tally became the stuff of legends. In his debut season alone, he netted over 30 goals in the Premier League, setting a new standard for strikers in the competition. This level of performance elevated Manchester City to new heights, and Haaland became the face of their ambitions. Fans, pundits, and analysts alike marveled at his ability to perform at such a high level week in, week out. Despite his success at City, however, questions remain about Haaland’s future and his long-term ambitions, with many wondering if his ultimate goal lies elsewhere.

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The Ballon d’Or Ambition: Why Manchester City May Not Be Enough

Despite his undeniable success at Manchester City, Erling Haaland appears to believe that his aspirations for individual glory, particularly the Ballon d’Or, might be harder to achieve at the English club. According to recent insights from Elgoldigital, Haaland feels that while Manchester City offers a platform for team success, winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or requires more than just scoring goals and securing trophies. It also involves being at a club that embodies a certain footballing prestige and global recognition, something that Haaland reportedly thinks could be more attainable elsewhere.

Haaland’s interest in Barcelona has been highlighted as a potential avenue for achieving this goal. Barcelona, with its storied history and legendary association with Ballon d’Or winners like Lionel Messi, seems to appeal to the Norwegian striker as a club where he can truly cement his individual legacy. This raises important questions about his long-term future at Manchester City, as his ambitions for personal recognition continue to play a role in shaping his career decisions.

Barcelona's Appeal: A New Challenge

Erling Haaland’s reported interest in joining Barcelona stems from the unique appeal that the club holds in the world of football. Barcelona is not just another top team; it is a club with a rich history of success, iconic players, and a style of play that has captivated fans and critics alike for decades. For Haaland, the prospect of being part of such a project offers an exciting new challenge — one that could further elevate his career on both the individual and team levels.

Playing in La Liga also carries a certain allure. The Spanish league has long been a stage for some of the world’s best talents, and the competitive environment combined with the exposure that comes from being part of Barcelona would likely enhance Haaland’s global profile. Additionally, the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legends like Lionel Messi, who achieved historic success at Barcelona, could be a motivating factor. Haaland seems drawn to the idea of contributing to Barcelona's resurgence and possibly becoming the face of a new era for the club.

Competing Interest from Real Madrid

Real Madrid, known for its relentless pursuit of the world’s top talent, has long been interested in signing Erling Haaland. Despite this interest, reports suggest that Haaland currently favors Barcelona over their arch-rivals. The competition between the two Spanish giants for the Norwegian star reflects the different paths both clubs are taking in shaping their futures.

Real Madrid’s ambition has been defined by consistent success and a focus on maintaining their status as one of the most decorated clubs in football history. They have built a squad centered around experienced winners like Luka Modrić and young stars like Jude Bellingham, blending tradition with a modern approach. Barcelona, on the other hand, is in the midst of rebuilding after several challenging seasons. Their ambition is clear: to restore their former glory while integrating fresh talent into the team. For Haaland, Barcelona’s project may offer more of a personal challenge and the opportunity to lead a resurgence, while Madrid’s interest could present a chance to join an already well-established winning machine.

Haaland’s Current Performance in 2024/25

Erling Haaland has continued to assert his dominance in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, showing no signs of slowing down. With 10 goals already in the early stages of the campaign, the 24-year-old Norwegian striker has solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the world. His remarkable consistency and ability to convert chances into goals have made him a key player for Manchester City, driving their attack and keeping them at the top of the table.

Haaland's current form suggests that he is on track to surpass his previous season’s record, where he netted 35 goals across all competitions. His combination of physical prowess, speed, and lethal finishing continues to make him a nightmare for defenders. If he maintains this level of performance, it’s likely that he will be in the conversation for major individual awards. However, despite his success, questions remain about his future at City, as he seeks new challenges that may potentially take him beyond the Premier League.

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Conclusion

As speculation surrounds Erling Haaland's potential move to Barcelona, the question of whether this change could help him achieve his dream of winning the Ballon d’Or becomes increasingly relevant. Joining a club with such a storied history and a reputation for developing world-class talent could provide Haaland with the stage he needs to showcase his abilities on an even grander scale. The allure of La Liga, coupled with Barcelona's commitment to a playing style that highlights individual talent, makes it an appealing destination for the young striker.

Several factors are influencing Haaland's decision, including his desire for a fresh challenge, the prospect of greater visibility in a league known for its competitive edge, and the potential to align himself with Barcelona's ambitious project. While Manchester City has been a fertile ground for his development, Haaland seems to believe that a move to Barcelona could be pivotal in his pursuit of individual accolades, including the coveted Ballon d’Or. For fans eager to stay updated on Haaland’s journey and more, they can also check out Melbet Ghana, where the promo code MELBONUS can unlock exciting offers and bonuses when creating an account.

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The controversy began when Odumodublvck shared a video in the studio, singing derogatory lyrics ("mumu," "ewu") aimed at Vinícius Junior. This came after the Real Madrid star vowed to continue giving his best despite missing the award.

However, fans swiftly condemned Odumodublvck's actions, flooding his comment section with criticism. Some labeled him an "upcoming artist" while others accused him of harboring a personal vendetta against Vinícius Junior.

In response, Odumodublvck fired back at his critics, telling them – including Vinícius Junior – to get off his back.

The incident has sparked widespread debate among football and music fans alike.

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The Spanish midfielder's incredible performances for Manchester City and the Spanish national team have earned him the most prestigious individual award in football. Rodri emerged victorious at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony ahead of Real Madrid's duo of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham.

The 27-year-old's impressive displays in the heart of Manchester City's midfield have been instrumental in the team's success. His vision, passing range, and defensive prowess have made him a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's machine.

What did Rodri say on winning the Ballon d'Or trphy?

He expressed his excitement after he was crowned the best player in the world, and also showed gratitude to God.

I will try to say to the kids, you don't need to be crazy, you can be a normal guy. Try to do your best. And I would like thank God, because with these values, with this perseverance, at the end it gives you back."

Rodri's Ballon 'Or win is a historic moment for Spanish football and a testament to his dedication and talent. As he continues to dominate midfield battles, fans and pundits alike eagerly await his next move.

He was also instrumental in Spain’s victory at the 2024 European Championship leading them to success against all odds.

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As football fans around the world anxiously await the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner to be announced later today, all eyes will be on the star-studded shortlist of players who have dominated the game in the past 12 months.

Vinícius Jr, the dynamic Brazilian winger for Real Madrid who has had a fantastic season, is one of the names creating the most hype. Nevertheless, despite Vinícius's skill on the field, there is rising anxiety that he might not win.

Having played a key role in Real Madrid's trophy-filled 2023–2024 season, Vinícius Jr. has a strong argument going into the Ballon d'Or ceremony. He is one of the most feared wingers in international football because he combines pace, technical talent, and inventiveness.

Despite Viní Jr's compelling case for the Ballon d'Or, the rivalry is more intense than ever in 2024, as we have seen a lot of youthful talents who have attained the peak of their abilities and seasoned veterans make up the top candidates.

Here are some reasons why fans worry that Vinicius might not win the Ballon d'Or Men's Player of the Year award 2024 tonight:

1. The Ballon d'Or's Bias Toward Central Players

Central players (goal-scorers, playmakers, and midfield generals who work through the middle of the pitch) have long been favoured by the Ballon d'Or.

Forwards and midfielders who contribute significantly to goals or assists have historically had a higher chance of winning the award.

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are favourites for this, as Haaland's remarkable tally for Manchester City and Mbappé's continued brilliance in front of goal for both PSG and Real Madrid have made them frontrunners in the race, potentially overshadowing the contributions of Vinícius.

2. National Team Performance and International Success

Ballon d'Or voting frequently heavily weighs international competitions, with voters considering players' national stage performances. In the 2024 Copa América, Vinícius had a few standout performances for Brazil, but his country did not win the cup.

Despite being competitive, Brazil's campaign ended in heartbreak when they lost in the tournament's closing rounds.

Other candidates for the Ballon d'Or had more successful experiences abroad. Players like Rodri, who led Spain to victory in the UEFA Nations League, and Lautaro Martínez, who played a crucial role in Argentina's Copa América win, achieved significant accomplishments with their national teams.

This additional success on the international stage may influence the Ballon d'Or voting, especially for players who have already won major international awards.

3. Fair Play Considerations and On-Field Discipline

The Ballon d'Or recognizes not only technical skill and achievements but also professionalism and fair play. While Vinícius Júnior's flair and competitive spirit are vital to his game, he has faced some disciplinary issues on the field.

His performances have sometimes been tainted by conflicts with opponents and incidents involving La Liga referees.

On the other hand, Rodri, recognized for his composed presence in midfield, is frequently lauded for his professionalism and fair play. These qualities can significantly influence voters who value candidates who exemplify not only skill but also integrity on the field.

4. Voting system

The Ballon d'Or award decision relies heavily on a voting system where journalists, coaches, players and football elites are given the chance to vote for the winner of the award. Given how divided the football community is regarding the winner of the award in 2024 it is expected that Vini jnr. doesn't get the required amount of votes to tip the scales in his favour.

Regardless of what the situation might be the influence of Vinicius jnr in reshaping African football can not go unnoticed with the Brazilian star showing that he is a force to be reckoned with.

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As fans eagerly anticipate one of the biggest awards in football history, Ballon d'Or, a rumoured winner has been leaked ahead of the scheduled date of October 28, 2024.

Following his breathtaking performances for Real Madrid and Brazil, Vinicius Jr according to the media publication outfit Marca is expected to be announced as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner later today, Monday, October 28, 2024.

Vinicius Junior is reportedly set to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, according to Marca.

The Real Madrid star has been informed by France Football, the awarding body, that he will be crowned the best player in the world.

This news comes ahead of the October 28 gala at the Theatre du Chalet in Paris, where the official announcement will be made.

Vinicius Junior’s impressive performance in the 2023/2024 season, particularly in the Champions League and La Liga, has likely contributed to his win.

His statistics are impressive, with 7 goals and assists in the Champions League knockout games and 19 goals and assists in La Liga, 11 of which came against top 10 teams.

The Brazilian player Is expected to undergo the coronation protocol soon, including interviews and photo shoots.

If Vini Jnr is crowned the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, Real Madrid will become the club with the highest number of Ballon d’Or wins, surpassing their current tie with Barcelona.

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As the 2024 Ballon d'Or award ceremony draws closer speculations on who deserves to pick up such an award have begun to surface and with the latest power ranking provided by Give Me Sport, the perfect player to win seems to be getting clearer.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or power rankings provide an intriguing insight into the outstanding performances and accomplishments that have influenced the world of football in the past year.

This year's rankings not only highlight individual excellence but also emphasize the collective influence of players who consistently raise the bar for global football, adding excitement and anticipation to the race for the Ballon d'Or.

How do they determine the Ballon d'Or Power Ranking?

We've determined the order based on the following:

• Goals scored
• Assists
• Clean sheets (if defensive-minded)
• Trophies won/challenging for
• Big moments in 2023-24 and in major international tournaments
• General form

Who are the contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or?

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For nearly two decades, the names Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been synonymous with the Ballon d'Or, with the duo dominating the football landscape by claiming 13 of the last 15 awards.

However, the 2024 edition of the prestigious honour marks a significant shift in the sport, as neither Messi nor Ronaldo received a nomination, signalling the end of an era in football's greatest rivalry.

As the Ballon d'Or race moves forward without its two most iconic figures, Ronaldo, a five-time winner, has shifted his focus to the next generation of stars.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, "UR" with former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo shared his thoughts on the emerging talents poised to take center stage in global football highlighting and revealing his preferred players to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or and for other years to come.

Ronaldo remarked, "Kylian Mbappé can win the Ballon d'Or for the next few years. Probably Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham [as well]." When Ferdinand mentioned Vinícius Júnior, Ronaldo acknowledged another rising star, adding, "Also Lamine Yamal. I think this new generation has a lot of potential."

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France Football officials have announced the nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or “Best Men’s Club of the Year” award. The shortlisted clubs are Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.

The selection criteria focused on clubs that dominated both their domestic leagues and European competitions during the 2023-2024 season. Borussia Dortmund earned their place on the list thanks to their impressive performances in both domestic and European competitions.

Last season, the German club reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League before being eliminated by Bayern Munich.

Girona, the second Spanish club to be nominated, is also in the running for the France Football Team of the Year award. The Catalan side delivered one of their best seasons, defeating top teams in both La Liga and European tournaments, finishing third in La Liga, just behind Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Manchester City had a stellar season, winning the Premier League and reaching the UEFA Champions League final.

Bayer Leverkusen, under the leadership of coach Xabi Alonso, enjoyed a 35-match unbeaten streak across 15 months of Bundesliga action before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Leipzig.

Real Madrid, currently holding titles in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup, are the frontrunners for the prestigious award after their remarkable 2023-2024 season, which included a treble victory.

Nominated for the Men's Club of the Year! @bayer04fussball @realmadrid @ManCity @BVB @GironaFC #ballondor #Clubdelannee pic.twitter.com/lOqQJdeL1R

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 4, 2024

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After a thrilling year of football, filled with remarkable performances, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments, the crème de la crème of the sport will be recognized for their exceptional talent and dedication. The organisers announced the shortlisted candidates for the prestigious award, after putting into consideration those who reached the pinnacle of individual achievement in the past football year which made them worthy candidates for the Ballon d'Or.

From the usual suspects to surprise entrants, this year's nominees promise to be a fascinating mix of established stars and rising talents. Fans, players, and coaches alike are eagerly awaiting the reveal, speculating about who will make the cut and ultimately claim the coveted Golden Ball.

A major omission from the nominated players was Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi; the duo was left out of the list of players who could win the award for the first time since 2003.

Who are the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees?

Jude Bellingham ( Real Madrid, England)

Ruben Dias ( Manchester City, Portugal)

Phil Foden ( Manchester City, England)

Federico Valverde ( Real Madrid, Uruguay)

Eminialo Martinez ( Aston Villa, Argentina)

Erling Haaland ( Manchester City, Norway)

Nico Williams ( Athletic Bilbao, Spain)

Granit Xhaka ( Bayer Leverkusen, Switzerland)

Artem Dovbik ( AS Roma, Ukraine)

Toni Kross ( Real Madrid, Germany)

Florian Wirtz ( Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Martin Odegaard ( Arsenal, Norway)

Vinicius Jr ( Real Madrid, Brazil)

Matt Hummels ( Borussia Dortmund, Germany)

Dani Olmo ( Barcelona, Spain )

Rodri ( Manchester City, England)

Harry Kane ( Bayern Munich, England )

Declan Rice ( Arsenal, England)

Vitinha ( PSG, Portugal)

Cole Palmer ( Chelsea, England)

Dani Carvajal ( Real Madrid, Spain)

Lamine Yamal ( Barcelona, Spain)

Bukayo Saka ( Arsenal, England)

Hakan Calhanoglu ( Inter Milan, Turkey)

William Saliba ( Arsenal, France)

Kylian Mbappe ( Real Madrid, PSG, France)

Lautaro Martinez ( Inter Milan, Argentina)

Ademola Lookman ( Atalanta, Nigeria)

Antonio Rudiger ( Real Madrid, Germany)

Alejandro Grrmaldo ( Bayer Leverkusen, Spain)

When is the Ballon d'Or award ceremony?

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 28, 2024.

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The coach's award will include recognition for both men’s and women’s coaches. It's a new award that will be a part of the expanded Ballon d'Or event, co-organized by UEFA and Groupe Amaury, the owner of France Football. According to the body, the awards will maintain their "unchanged and independent" voting system, with UEFA contributing its expertise and managing global commercial rights.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said,

"UEFA and Ballon d'Or are synonyms of sporting excellence, so our partnership will be a natural blend of prominence and a synergy that promises to be nothing short of exceptional."

The nominees for the Ballon d'Or Men's Coach of the Year 2024 were announced on a L'Equipe live stream on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Men's Coach of the Year Nominees

Pep Guardiola ( Manchester City), Xabi Alonso ( Bayer Leverkusen), Carlo Ancelotti ( Real Madrid), Luis de la Fuente ( Spain), Gian Piero Gasperini ( Atalanta), Lionel Scaloni ( Argentina).

Women's Coach of the Year Nominees

Sonia Bompastor ( Lyon / Chelsea)

Arthur Elias ( Corinthians/ Brazil)

Jonatan Giraldez ( Barcelona/Washington Spirit)

Emma Hayes ( Chelsea/ USA)

Filipa Patao ( Benfica)

Sarina Wiegman ( England)

When is the Ballon d'Or award ceremony?

The award ceremony will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024.

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In an official announcement, the organizers of arguably one of the biggest football award ceremonies in history, the nominees for the Best Young Talent 2024 also known as the Kopa Trophy award were confirmed today, Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

What is the Kopa Trophy?

The Kopa Trophy is an annual award given to the best soccer player in the world under the age of 21, as determined by the Ballon d'Or jury voting system. Unlike the Golden Boy prize, which is restricted to players within UEFA's league system, the Kopa Trophy can be awarded to a player from any league globally.

Kopa Trophy Past Winners

Kylian Mbappé won the inaugural Kopa Trophy in 2018 after his World Cup victory with France. Jude Bellingham secured the 2023 prize.

Who are the nominees for the Kopa Trophy 2024?

Following a remarkable performance for both club and country, a total of 10 players have been highlighted as the people up for the highly coveted Best Young Talent of the Year award for 2024. The nominees for the Ballon d'Or Kopa Trophy 2024 are:

1. Pau Cubarsi
2. Alejandro Garnacho
3. Arda Guler
4. Karim Konate
5. Kobbie Mainoo
6. Joao Neves
7. Savinho
8. Mathys Tel
9. Lamine Yamal
10. Warren Zaire-Emery

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Discussions are heating up about who will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, with several standout players in contention for the prestigious award. Among the top candidates are Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, both of whom have had remarkable seasons.

As the football community eagerly anticipates the award gala in October, various stakeholders continue to share their opinions on the most deserving winner.

Recently, former Barcelona forward Sergio Aguero added his voice to the debate as to the player he believes deserves the highly coveted Ballon d'Or award for the year 2024.

The 36-year-old retired player, in a recent interview, expressed his hope that Bellingham would win the award, while also recognizing the strong case for Vinicius Jr. Aguero's views align with those of many in the football world, including former England defender Rio Ferdinand, who has highlighted the exceptional Brazilian's merits for the top prize.

Aguero stated, "Ballon d'Or? Viní Jr. didn't disappear in Copa America. It's just that Brazil is going through a tough time and he needs a good team. Looking at the whole season, Viní had an incredible run; this season, he was better than Mbappe. Every time Vini got the ball in the middle of the pitch, you could feel the danger. This season, Viní and Bellingham were key for Real Madrid. I love Bellingham and would rather he got the Ballon d'Or, but you have to acknowledge that Viní was outstanding this season."

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The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player was voted the winner of the award following his impressive performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar. Lionel Messi led his team to win the most lucrative competition for the first time since 1986 when Diego Maradona led them to win the tournament. He has also been impressive for Inter Miami since he arrived at the MLS, leading them to their first-ever trophy in the history of the club.

The breakdown of how coaches of national teams around the world voted for the best player was released on the official website of Ballon d'Or. Messi won the award having 462 votes, he was followed by Manchester City's striker, Erling Haaland who had 357 votes, and PSG's Kylian Mbappe came in third place with 270 votes.

The captain of Manchester City, Kevin de Bruyne came in fourth place with 100 points while his teammate, Rodri finished in fifth place with 57 points.

Vinicius Jnr ( 49 ), Alvarez (28), Victor Osimhen (24), Bernardo Silva (20), and Luka Modric (19) complete the top ten best players in the world.

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The French organisers had initially had a partnership with FIFA for seven years which ended in 2016. The award was known as the FIFA Ballon d’Or, but since 2016, FIFA has run its own Best Awards.

"UEFA and Groupe Amaury, owners of media companies France Football and L’Équipe, have today announced a partnership to co-organise the renowned Ballon d'Or from 2024. Together, UEFA and Groupe Amaury aim to enhance the stature and global reach of the awards while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the football community."

The Ballon d’Or awards will be co-organised by UEFA and Groupe Amaury, the publishers of France Football and L’Equipe from next year (2024). The deal means that UEFA will scrap its own player of the year award, which is given to the best players in the UEFA Champions League.

This year’s Ballon d’Or was held Monday, October 30, 2023, in Paris with Lionel Messi winning the men’s prize for the eighth time, while Aitana Bonmatí won the women’s award.

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As a recognition for her efforts for both club and country in the year 2023, Aitana Bonmati has been crowned the Women's Player of the Year by the organisers of the Ballon d'Or.

Aitana who competed alongside some of the biggest names in football, was recognised for her extraordinary effort at the World Cup 2023 for her side and her dominance at the club level.

Who are the nominees for the Women's Player of the Year 2023?

Here are the football stars recognised for their efforts in 2023; the shortlist consists of footballers who stood out for the entire year:

• Aitana Bonmati - Barcelona/Spain
• Millie Bright - Chelsea/England
• Linda Caicedo - Real Madrid/Colombia
• Olga Carmona - Real Madrid/Spain
• Rachel Daly - Aston Villa/England
• Debinha - North Carolina-Kansas City/Brazil
• Kadidiatou Diani - Paris Saint-Germain-Lyon/France
• Mary Earps - Manchester United/England
• Patricia Guijarro - Barcelona/Spain
• Yui Hasegawa - Manchester City/Japan
• Amanda Ilestedt - Paris-Saint Germain-Arsenal/Sweden
• Sam Kerr - Chelsea/Australia
• Mapi Leon - Barcelona/Spain
• Katie McCabe - Arsenal/Republic of Ireland
• Hinata Miyazawa - MyNavi Senday-Manchester United/Japan
• Lena Oberdorf - Wolfsburg/Germany
• Asisat Oshoala - Barcelona/Nigeria
• Ewa Pajor - Wolfsburg/Poland
• Salma Paralluelo - Barcelona/Spain
• Alexandra Popp - Wolsburg/Germany
• Hayley Raso - Manchester City-Real Madrid/Australia
• Alba Redondo - Levante/Spain
• Guro Reiten - Chelsea/Norway
• Wendie Renard - Lyon/France
• Fridolina Rolfo - Barcelona/Sweden
• Jill Roord - Wolfsburg-Manchester City/Netherlands
• Khadija Shaw - Manchester City/Jamaica
• Sophia Smith - Portland Thorns/United States
• Georgia Stanway - Bayern Munich/England
• Daphne van Domselaar - Twente-Aston Villa/Netherlands

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The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player was voted the winner of the award following his impressive performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar. Lionel Messi led his team to win the most lucrative competition for the first time since 1986 when Diego Maradona led them to win the tournament. He has also been impressive for Inter Miami since his arrival at the MLS, leading them to their first-ever trophy in the history of the club.

Messi is the first player to win the award eight times in the history of football followed closely by his arc rival, Cristiano Ronaldo who has won the award five times. He scored 28 goals and 23 assists having played 48 games in the calendar year.

Manchester City's forward player, Erling Haaland who was expected to win the award by some football fans because of his impressive performance in helping the Cityzens with the treble last season ( 2022/23) came in second place. The 23-year-old broke a lot of records in his first season with City, he scored 56 goals and nine assists in 57 games.

However, Messi's former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe came in third place. The captain of the French national team led France to the final of the World Cup becoming the first player in the competition's history to score a hat trick in a World Cup final, but lost the competition to Argentina through penalty shoot-outs.

What is the Ballon d'Or award?

The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in the world of football. It is an annual accolade presented by France Football magazine to the best male football player in the world. The award, which has been in existence since 1956, is highly sought after by footballers as it recognizes their outstanding performances over a calendar year.

Who were the 2023 Ballon d'Or Nominees?

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)

Where was the 2023 Ballon d'Or award ceremony held?

The 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony was held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on Monday, October 30, 2023.

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