Argentina legend Lionel Messi pipped the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to a record 8th Ballon d’Or title at a grand ceremony in Paris, France. Messi, who beforehand received the Ballon d’Or title in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021 has had a season to bear in mind the place he led Argentina to a 3rd FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, adopted by a Ligue 1 title for Paris Saint-Germain and now a Leagues Cup win along with his new Inter Miami membership in Major League Soccer. Messi appeared in 55 matches throughout competitions this season and scored 32 objectives, together with 25 assists.
The Golden Ball winner of the World Cup, Messi scored seven objectives and was the participant of the ultimate as properly. The extraordinary run within the World Cup noticed Messi develop into the primary participant to rating a objective within the group stage, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the ultimate.
Haaland, who performed a starring function in Manchester City’s treble-clinching run, scored 52 objectives with 9 assists in 53 matches whereas Mbappe scored 41 objectives with 10 assists in 43 matches.
Most Ballon d’Or wins
8 – Lionel Messi, Argentina (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)
5 – Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
3 – Michael Platini, France (1983, 1984, 1985)
3 – Johan Cruyff, Netherlands (1971, 1973, 1974)
3 – Marco van Basten, Netherlands (1988, 1989, 1992)
25-year-old Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmati clinched the ladies’s Ballon d’Or as she edged out Sam Kerr and Salma Parralluelo for the title. Bonmati received the Women’s World Cup 2023 whereas additionally successful the most effective pl;layer within the event award, the Golden Ball other than successful a La Liga title with Barcelona final season and the Women’s Champions League.
Among different winners, Manchester City received the Men’s Club of the Year for a second time in a row whereas FC Barcelona Femina received the Women’s Club of the Year award. Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham received the Kopa Trophy for the most effective Under-21 participant. Haaland received the Gerd Muller Trophy for scoring probably the most variety of objectives for scoring 56 objectives throughout all competitions. Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez received the Yachine Trophy for the most effective goalkeeper.
Speaking after successful his 8th Ballon d’Or, Messi mentioned, “The degree [of competition] by no means decreases, I’ve been fortunate to be right here for a few years. I need to present a particular point out for all these individuals who have been completely happy that Argentina turned world champions. Thanks additionally to all my household, my spouse, my kids, for being there within the worst moments, and so they have helped me fulfill my desires in soccer. Without you it might not have been potential.
“I have been very lucky, I have played for the best team in the world, the best in history, I have been able to win many individual awards thanks to that. With Argentina I have had very bad times, but I never gave up on winning the Copa America and World Cup, and that’s why I’m proud of not having given up,” he added. Messi additionally praised each Haaland and Mbappe, completed second and third within the race for the title.
