Following Lionel Messi’s win of the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award, football fans have shifted their attention to the 2023 Ballon d’Or. The Ballon d’Or has been awarded to the best-performing footballer over the preceding calendar year since its inception in 1956. However, starting with the 2022 vote, the focus of the award has been switched to the previous season’s performance.
The Ballon d’Or award for this year will be given to the footballer who is judged to have performed better than their peers throughout the 2022/23 season. As the season comes to a close at the end of June, the contenders for the prize have no further opportunity to strengthen their case.
Lionel Messi currently holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards won by any footballer in history. He has previously won the award seven times, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. As this year’s award approaches, different betting sites have listed Messi as the odds-on favorite to win, with a betting probability of 1/5. If he wins, it would add another accolade to his already impressive collection.
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Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or 2023
Given Lionel Messi’s recent performances, it seems highly likely that he will win the Ballon d’Or for this year. During the 2022/23 season, Messi led Argentina to victory in the World Cup held in Qatar, which was the most significant event of the season.
He played a vital role in his team’s success, scoring seven goals and providing three assists throughout the tournament. His efforts make him the Player of the Tournament award. Argentina world champions for the first time since 1986. Given his impressive performance and achievements, it is hard to see anyone else coming out on top for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Erling Haaland Ballon d’Or 2023
Erling Haaland, the Norway international, has made an extraordinary start to his career at Manchester City. He is currently on track to break multiple goalscoring records in the Premier League, as he strives to lead Pep Guardiola’s side to their fifth title in the past six years. With his impressive performances, Haaland has become a key player for Manchester City and has already made a significant impact on the league. If he continues at this pace, he could establish himself as one of the most formidable strikers in the Premier League’s history.
In addition to his outstanding performances in the Premier League. Erling Haaland has also made a significant impact in the Champions League. With 11 goals already, including his recent goal against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals Haaland has become the top scorer in Manchester City’s Champions League history. Not to forget they are only in the quarterfinals. If he continues this form, he could lead his team to a Champions League trophy, which would put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or 2023, alongside Lionel Messi. Haaland’s impressive performances in both domestic and European competitions have established him as one of the most exciting young talents in football.
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