The anticipation is building as football fans around the world eagerly await the announcement of the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominees, scheduled for September 6. This year’s race for the prestigious award promises to be nothing short of exhilarating, with a pool of talent that includes last year’s FIFA World Cup hero, Lionel Messi, and the prolific goal-scoring sensation Erling Haaland, among others.
A total of 30 players will be nominated for the Ballon d’Or trophy, and the football world will be watching closely as the list is unveiled. The winner of this coveted accolade will be revealed on September 30, in what is sure to be a momentous occasion for the chosen football star.
The Ballon d’Or has historically been influenced by a player’s performance on the international stage, particularly at the FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi, who almost single-handedly propelled Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year, stands as a prime example of this trend. The Argentine superstar not only lifted the World Cup trophy but also earned the Golden Ball for his exceptional contributions. In addition to his remarkable international achievements, Messi showcased his brilliance in domestic football last season, tallying an impressive 38 goals and 25 assists across all competitions while representing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His excellence on the field played a pivotal role in PSG securing the Ligue 1 title in the 2022–23 campaign.
Erling Haaland, on the other hand, enjoyed a sensational debut season with Manchester City. The Norwegian striker netted a staggering 52 goals in 53 games, guiding the Premier League giants to a historic treble. Haaland emerged as the top scorer in both the Champions League (12 goals) and the Premier League (36 goals), showcasing his incredible goal-scoring prowess. These remarkable statistics are expected to place Haaland in a strong position in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
While Messi’s performance was a testament to his individual brilliance, Haaland’s incredible numbers were the result of an outstanding team effort orchestrated by manager Pep Guardiola. Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring abilities cannot be understated, but one must also recognise the significant contributions of players like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri in the midfield. In contrast, Messi led Argentina almost single-handedly, guiding La Albiceleste to a historic World Cup triumph in December of the previous year. While Haaland is poised to give Messi a formidable challenge, the Argentine maestro is widely expected to emerge as the victor in the quest for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
In addition to Messi and Haaland, other prominent names like Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Vinicius Jr. are anticipated to feature among the nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award. Mbappe, despite not securing World Cup or Champions League victories stood out for his individual brilliance last season, scoring more than 50 goals for both club and country. His achievements included claiming the Ligue 1 title and earning the Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. recorded an impressive 25 goals and 26 assists, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s victories in the Copa del Rey, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. However, missing out on the Champions League title may affect his prospects in the Ballon d’Or race.
Comments