Lionel Messi Beats Erling Haaland to Win 2023 Balon D’or

In a historic moment for the world of football, Lionel Messi has secured his eighth Ballon d’Or award, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport. The official announcement came as no surprise to fans and pundits alike, who have witnessed Messi’s consistently stellar performances throughout his illustrious career.

Representing both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami, Messi outshone his competition, Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Kylian Mbappé of Paris Saint-Germain, to claim the ultimate honor in football.

This victory marks an unprecedented milestone for the Argentine legend, as he now holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or titles ever won by a single player. Messi’s remarkable journey through the years has been marked by his unparalleled skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability.

The full list of the top 30 Ballon d’Or candidates for 2023 is as follows:

1. Lionel Messi (PSG / Inter Miami)

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

3. Kylian Mbappé (Paris SG)

4. Kévin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

5. Rodri (Manchester City)

6. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid C.F.)

7. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

8. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

9. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

10. Luka Modric (Real Madrid C.F.)

11. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool FC)

12. Robert Lewandowski (Barça)

13. Yassine Bounou (Sévila)

14. Ilkay Gündogan (City / Barca)

15. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

16. Karim Benzema (Real / Ittihad)

17. K. Kvaratskhelia (SSC Napoli)

18. Jude Bellingham (BVB / Real)

19. Harry Kane (Spurs / B. Munich)

20. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)

21. Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)

22. Kim Min-Jae (Napoli / B. Munich)

23. André Onana (Manchester United)

24. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

25. Josko Gvardiol (RBL / Man. City)

26. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

27. Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)

28. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

29. R. Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt)

30. Ruben Dias (Manchester City)