The Ballon d’Or stands as the pinnacle of individual recognition in the world of football. Every year, esteemed French news magazine ‘France Football’ grants this prestigious award to the footballer who has exhibited outstanding performance throughout a season....CONTINUE READING
The winner of the Ballon d’Or is determined by a comprehensive voting process that includes media representatives, national team captains, and coaches from all over the world.
This prestigious award acknowledges extraordinary talent, outstanding skills, and remarkable performances exhibited by the recipient over the course of the entire calendar year.
The Ballon d’Or stands as a powerful symbol of acknowledgment and prestige, celebrating a player’s remarkable contributions to the sport and leaving an enduring legacy in football history.
The list of Ballon d’Or winners comprises an exclusive assembly of exceptional individuals who have made an indelible impact on the global stage of football.
5. De bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is another exceptional player whose illustrious career may fall just short of claiming the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. However, there is a strong possibility that he will secure a place on the Ballon d’Or podium this year.
De Bruyne exhibited remarkable skill and composure while orchestrating City’s midfield. His exceptional creativity and visionary play were on full display throughout the season.
With an astonishing tally of 31 assists and 10 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, De Bruyne played a major role in guiding the Cityzens to a remarkable continental treble.
4. Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is widely regarded as the potential recipient of numerous Ballon d’Or accolades in the coming years. This year, in particular, held great promise for him.
Notably, he claimed the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his exceptional talent by scoring a magnificent hat-trick in the final against Argentina, despite ultimately ending in defeat.
Throughout the season, Mbappe continued to be the focal point of Paris Saint-Germain’s success, aiding them in securing the Ligue 1 title. However, an untimely exit from the Champions League may have hindered his chances of clinching the Ballon d’Or.
Impressively, Mbappe concluded the 2022-23 season with an astounding tally of 41 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for PSG.
3. Rodri
Rodri has truly shone throughout the season and has firmly established himself as arguably the best defensive midfielder currently in the game.
His remarkable performances for Manchester City were consistently impressive, and he even sealed their historic treble by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final. Additionally, he played a crucial role in Spain’s triumphant campaign in the UEFA Nations League, showcasing his exceptional skills on an international stage.
Operating in a league of his own, Rodri started an impressive 52 games this season for City, more than any of his teammates. With his outstanding contributions, it is safe to say that the 27-year-old has more than proved himself worthy of a place on the Ballon d’Or podium this year.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s remarkable performances were instrumental in Argentina’s triumph at the World Cup last year, earning him the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Notably, Messi continued to dazzle with his exceptional skills and contributed significantly to Paris Saint-Germain’s successful domestic campaign, guiding them to claim the Ligue 1 title this season.
Impressively, Messi achieved an impressive record of scoring 21 goals and providing 20 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for PSG in the 2022-23 season.
With such exceptional statistics, it is highly plausible that Messi could clinch a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or. In fact, it would have been almost certain if not for the impressive achievements of a certain other player.
1. Haaland
Erling Haaland had an extraordinary debut season with Manchester City, showcasing phenomenal goalscoring prowess. His performances were nothing short of spectacular, as he consistently found the back of the net with remarkable ease.
With his intelligent movement, athleticism, and incredible ability to create scoring opportunities, the Norwegian striker inflicted fear upon defenders.
Undoubtedly, Haaland is currently the finest striker in the world, having shattered numerous goalscoring records throughout the season.
His incredible achievements were duly recognized by winning the prestigious European Golden Shoe after netting an impressive 36 goals in the Premier League alone.
Remarkably, the 22-year-old found the back of the net 52 times and provided nine assists in 53 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City in the 2022-23 season.
Given his exceptional performances, it is highly possible that Haaland could claim his first-ever Ballon d’Or this year, cementing his status as one of the game’s true standout talents.READFULL
