The Ballon d’Or 2023 : Who Will Be Crowned the Best Player in the World?

The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is eagerly anticipated every year. As we approach the 2023 ceremony, fans and experts are speculating about who will be crowned the best player in the world. With the introduction of new criteria and the World Cup playing a significant role, the race for the Ballon d’Or is more exciting than ever.

Changes in Criteria and the Impact of the World Cup

In the past, the Ballon d’Or was based on a player’s performance throughout a calendar year. However, the criteria have now shifted to align with the sports season calendar. This means that performances from one summer to the next will be evaluated. The change aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a player’s abilities and achievements.

Adding to the intrigue, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar took place after the 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The World Cup has always had a significant influence on the award, and this time is no different. Outstanding performances on the world stage can greatly enhance a player’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Ballon d’Or 2023: The Date, Place, and Contenders

The ceremony was originally scheduled to be held on October 16, 2023, but it was postponed due to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The World Cup is typically held in the summer, but it was moved to the winter in 2022 to avoid the extreme heat in Qatar. This meant that the Ballon d’Or ceremony would have been held during the World Cup, which would have made it difficult for players and journalists to attend.

The Théâtre du Châtelet is a renowned theater in Paris that has hosted many prestigious events, including the César Awards and the Molières Awards. It is a fitting venue for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in world football.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or will be the 67th edition of the award. The current holder of the award is Karim Benzema, who won it in 2022.

The nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be announced on September 6, 2023. The winner of the award will be revealed on October 30, 2023.

The Frontrunners for the 2023 Ballon d’Or

As we look at the potential frontrunners for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, several players stand out for their exceptional performances and achievements in the 2022/23 season. Let’s explore the top contenders:

Lionel Messi – The Record-Breaking Maestro

Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, remains the odds-on favorite to win an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or 2023. Messi had a remarkable year, leading Argentina to World Cup glory and being named the tournament’s best player. His seven goals and three assists, including a brace in the final against France, showcased his brilliance on the world stage. Additionally, Messi’s performances for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, where he leads the goal-scoring charts, further solidify his claim as the top player in the world.

Erling Haaland – The Sensational Scorer

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal-scoring machine, has enjoyed a phenomenal season at Manchester City. The 2022/23 campaign saw Haaland break multiple records, including becoming the leading scorer across Europe’s top five leagues and in the Champions League. His 49 goals in 43 games have been instrumental in City’s pursuit of a historic treble. If Haaland can help City lift all three remaining trophies, including their maiden Champions League title, his claim to the Ballon d’Or 2023 will be hard to ignore.

Kevin De Bruyne – The Creative Genius

Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, has been a key contributor to the team’s success. Leading the Premier League for assists and playing a vital role in City’s treble bid, De Bruyne has showcased his exceptional vision and playmaking ability. His performances have earned him recognition as one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or. With his ability to influence games and his impact on City’s trophy aspirations, De Bruyne’s chances of claiming the prestigious Ballon d’Or are certainly strong.

Vinicius Junior – The Rising Star

Vinicius Junior, the young Brazilian forward, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in world football. His explosive performances for Real Madrid have caught the attention of fans and experts alike. With 20 goals and numerous assists during the 2022/23 season, Vinicius has played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success, particularly in the Champions League. As the first Brazilian since Kaka in 2007 to win the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Junior has the potential to make history if his performances continue to impress.

Kylian Mbappe – The Speedy Showman

Kylian Mbappe, the French phenom, has consistently displayed his exceptional skills and speed on the pitch. While he didn’t win the World Cup, his performances were instrumental in leading France to the final for the second consecutive time. Mbappe’s eight goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick in the group stage, showcased his ability to change the game with his pace and clinical finishing. Despite Paris Saint-Germain’s early exit from the Champions League, Mbappe’s talent and impact make him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or 2023.

Dark Horses and Other Contenders for Ballon d’Or 2023

While the aforementioned players are considered the frontrunners, the race for the Ballon d’Or  is not limited to them alone. Several dark horses and other contenders have made significant contributions and deserve recognition. Let’s take a closer look at some of these players:

• Karim Benzema: The current Ballon d’Or holder, Benzema has had another impressive season for Real Madrid. While he may not have replicated his 2021/22 heroics, his consistent goal-scoring and crucial performances in important matches make him a contender.
• Rodri: Manchester City’s midfield anchor, Rodri, has been a vital cog in the team’s success. His solid defensive displays, coupled with his crucial goal in the Champions League final, have elevated his chances of being recognized for the Ballon d’Or.
• Luka Modric: The veteran midfielder continues to defy age with his exceptional performances for Real Madrid and Croatia. Modric’s influence on the pitch, especially in the World Cup, where Croatia reached the semi-finals, cannot be overlooked.
• Mohamed Salah: Despite missing out on the World Cup, Salah has been in sensational form for Liverpool, consistently finding the back of the net and providing assists. His goal-scoring prowess makes him a contender for individual honors.
• Achraf Hakimi: The flying full-back has been a standout performer for both Inter Milan and Morocco. His contributions in attack and defense, along with his performances in the World Cup, make him a dark horse for the Ballon d’Or.
• And More: Players like Marcus Rashford, Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, and Emiliano Martinez have also had notable seasons and could potentially be in the running for the Ballon d’Or.

The Exciting Road Ahead

As the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, football fans around the world eagerly await the announcement of the winner. With a diverse range of exceptional talents vying for the prestigious award, the competition promises to be intense. Only time will tell who will emerge as the best player in the world for the 2022/23 season, etching their name in football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.