One of the most famous individual prizes in football is the Ballon d'Or, which is presented yearly to the world's top male football player. Since 1956, France Football magazine has been presenting the prize, which is considered one of the most desired individual honours in football. A group of foreign journalists cast their votes for the player they consider to be the best in the world to determine the winner of the Ballon d'Or. The FIFA Ballon d'Or was created in 2010 when the award and the FIFA World Player of the Year award were combined, but in 2016 the two honours were once more split, with the Ballon d'Or reverting to its previous design.
Some of the best footballers in history, such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten, have won the Ballon d'Or over the years. Winning the award is a significant accomplishment for any football player since it has grown to be seen as a mark of personal greatness in the sport.
Keeping all this in mind, here we take a look at the top Ballon D’or for the year 2023.
● Lionel Messi
One of the most renowned football players of all time, Lionel Messi set a record by winning the Ballon d'Or seven times, which is a testimonial to his extraordinary skills and ability in the game. By winning every other football-related prize, the "Magic Man" has finished the legacy. He guided the Albiceleste to World Cup triumph for the first time in 36 years as the 2022 FIFA World Cup's Golden Ball winner. He’s surely the favourite to win the award.
● Erling Haaland
Young Norwegian football player Erling Haaland has already had a significant influence on the game. He is considered one of the game's most promising young players, and both with Manchester City and the Norwegian national team, he has put on a show that is simply outstanding. Although Haaland hasn't yet taken home the Ballon d'Or, he has already had two nominations and is thought to be a serious candidate in the years to come. He placed 10th the last time around when playing for Borussia Dortmund, but this time, with players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva behind him, his chances of winning this accolade are stronger. A Champions League win could further boost his chances of a Ballon d’Or win.
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● Kylian Mbappe
Mbappé has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or several times and is thought to be a strong candidate for the trophy in the upcoming years, despite the fact that he has not yet won the prize. With his quickness, skill, and intellect, he has regularly demonstrated his ability to score goals, create opportunities, and dominate the game during his outstanding performances with AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, and the French national team. Despite not having won the Ballon d'Or yet, Kylian Mbappé is a good candidate to do so in the future due to his talent and potential. The last time around, he came in sixth, but he undoubtedly has this particular honour in mind.
● Vinicius Jr
Despite still being a young player, Vinicius Junior has already made a name for himself in the team because of his speed, dribbling prowess, and goal-scoring propensity. Although Vinicius Jr. has not yet won the Ballon d'Or, he has demonstrated tremendous potential and has been praised for his achievements by both fans and professionals. He placed eighth in the 2021–2022 season, and we are more than eager to see him do the Samba dance in Real Madrid garb once more.
● Kevin de Bruyne
One of the finest midfielders in the world, Kevin De Bruyne has played a key role in Manchester City's success over the years. De Bruyne has won multiple individual honours as a result of his contributions, including the 2019–20 Premier League Player of the Season and the Midfielder of the Season in the UEFA Champions League. Additionally, he has frequently been included in the PFA Team of the Year. De Bruyne is a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or because of his standout performances and individual accolades. Although forwards are frequently given the honour in preference to midfielders, De Bruyne's contribution to Manchester City and the Belgian national team cannot be ignored.
Also Read | All Ballon d’Or Award Winners List
