Ballon d’Or leak reveals 2023 winners

2023 10 18 SOCCER WORLDCUP PER ARG REPORT scaled
Soccer Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Peru v Argentina - Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru - October 17, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda

The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner is said to be Lionel Messi, according to a significant leak from the renowned football awards. Spanish newspaper Sport has disclosed the names of both the male and female recipients ahead of the official ceremony in Paris on October 30.

Despite the outstanding performances of players like Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe, who had exceptional years, particularly Manchester City’s Haaland, who scored 52 goals on his way to a treble victory with his club, Messi is expected to secure the award. This recognition is primarily attributed to his pivotal role in leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar.

If Messi clinches the award, he will become the first player based outside of Europe to achieve the Ballon d’Or since its inception in 1956. His previous win was in 2021 when he guided his country to Copa America glory.

The report also revealed the recipient of the Ballon d’Or Féminin, the women’s counterpart. The prize is set to be awarded to the Spanish player Aitana Bonmati, honoured for winning the Champions League with FC Barcelona and securing a World Cup victory with her national team.

 

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