The Ballon d’Or 2023 will be awarded on October 30th at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. While we await to find out the successor to the current title holder, Karim Benzema, France Football will unveil the list of 30 nominees for this highly coveted individual award on Wednesday at 8:00 PM (GMT+1).
The outcome of the 2023 Ballon d’Or remains uncertain. However, several players are strongly positioned to be included in the top 10, or even the top 5. Naturally, we can mention Erling Haaland, who had an exceptional season with Manchester City and achieved a historic treble by winning the Champions League, the Premier League, and the FA Cup. Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva also have aspirations to rank at the top of the standings for similar reasons.
Lionel Messi, crowned Best Player of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina, could also be in contention for this prestigious award, which would mark his eighth Ballon d’Or in his career. Despite a turbulent season with PSG and his subsequent move to Inter Miami, he now seems to be among the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or 2023. Kylian Mbappé, top scorer of the World Cup and author of a memorable hat-trick in the final against Argentina, is also in the running among the favorites. The prodigy from Bondy has dominated Ligue 1 with PSG, although he disappointed in the Champions League, much like Messi.
Among the predictable absentees in the list of 30 nominees, we should expect to find Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese, who has been playing for Al Nassr for several months, had a difficult season, marked by struggles at Manchester United, a disappointing World Cup, and his transfer to Saudi Arabia. It should also be noted that the candidates in other categories, such as the Kopa Trophy for the best young player of the season, the Lev Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, and the Women’s Ballon d’Or, will also be announced.
