LIONEL MESSI has won the Ballon d’Or for the EIGHTH time.
Messi finished ahead of Man City goal machine Erling Haaland in the year he finally won the World Cup with Argentina.
Prem stars Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Mo Salah and Andre Onana all finished in the Top 30 shortlist.
While Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s award following her World Cup win with Spain.
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Your 2023 Ballon d’Or winners
Their names will be forever etched into football history.
Your 2023 Ballon d’Or winners; Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati
Credit: AFP Messi thankful for his stunning career
Speaking after picking up his record eighth Ballon d’Or, Messi said: “I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, the fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history.”
Credit: EPA Bonmati after winning women’s award
Aitana Bonmati paid tributes to her coaches and staff after winning the Ballon d’Or.
She said: “I’m very proud to win this Ballon d’or tonight.
“It’s an individual prize but football is a team sport, so I’d like to extend this prize to my teammates and staff at Barcelona, and my international teammates as well.
“I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Bonmati’s win followed up on Alexia Putellas winning the 2022 award.
Full men’s Ballon d’Or rankings
1. Lionel Messi
2. Erling Haaland
3. Kylian Mbappe
4. Kevin De Bruyne
5. Rodri
6. Vinicius Jr.
7. Julian Alvarez
8. Victor Osimhen
9. Bernardo Silva
10. Luka Modric
11. Mohamed Salah
12. Robert Lewandowski
13. Yassine Bounou
14. Ilkay Gundogan
15. Emiliano Martinez
16. Karim Benzema
17. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
18. Jude Bellingham
19. Harry Kane
20. Lautaro Martinez
21. Antoine Griezmann
22. Kim Min-jae
23. Andre Onana
24. Bukayo Saka
25. Josko Gvardiol
26. Jamal Musiala
27. Nicolo Barella
28. Randal Kolo Muani and Martin Odegaard
30. Ruben Dias
Arsenal fans fume as Ballon d’Or results revealed
Arsenal fans were left fuming after star man Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard placed LOWER than struggling Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana in the men’s Ballon d’Or.
Odegaard placed joint 28th while Saka ranked 24th.
However, Onana came in one higher at 23rd.
One supporter said online: “This Ballon d’Or is the biggest joke of all time.”
A second said: “Surely this isn’t serious?!”
While a third claimed: “Rigged!”
Looking back
A look back at each of Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or wins.
The first came all the way back in 2009 and kick started a streak of four in a row.
He then won his next in 2015 before a four-year gap.
2019 saw him win number six, before seven in 2021 and now eight in 2023.
Messi on retirement
Asked how much longer he will be playing, Messi said he is not sure how much longer he would be playing but that he would make sure he continues to enjoy it.
He said: “Retirement? I don’t really know. I’ve been talking a lot lately, but I want to continue and continue having fun.
“I can’t set a specific date and football changes every day. As I said, I love football and I want to continue.”
Messi also welcomed his three children to the stage during the presentation.
Credit: AFP ‘Very special’ Messi is at Inter Miami says Beckham
After presenting the award to Messi, Beckham said it was “very special” to be able to call the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner a Inter Miami player.
Asked about getting a party going to celebrate, however, he declared Messi would celebrate it in his own way with his amazing family.
Ballon d’Or top three
Messi beats Haaland and Mbappe to the award.
Kevin De Bruyne came in fourth.
Men’s Ballon d’Or winner: Lionel Messi
Following his World Cup exploits, was there any surprise?
The Argentine lifts the award for the eighth time.
Credit: AFP Beckham pays touching tribute to Bobby Charlton
Beckham paid a touching tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
He said he owes him everything and was where it all started for him.
Men’s award incoming
David Beckham stepping up to present the award.
Women’s Ballon d’Or top five
Bonmati tops a list that sees Sam Kerr come second, Salma Parallulo rank third, Fridolina Rolfo come fourth and Earps fifth.
Women’s Ballon d’Or 2023 winner: Aitana Bonmatí
Spain and Barcelona midfielder had a stellar year for both club and country.
She won the Treble with Barcelona and bagged the World Cup with Spain.
Not too shabby.
Credit: AFP Djokovic says he wants Olympic title
Speaking on stage at the Ballon d’Or, Djokovic has said he really wants to win the gold medal at the next Olympic Games.
Trophies have arrived
Novak Djokovic has come out to present the Women’s Ballon d’Or award.
Men’s Ballon d’Or #7-5
7. Julian Alvarez
6. Vinicius Jr
5. Rodri
Women’s Ballon d’Or #7-5
7. Alexandra Popp
6. Olga Carmona
5. Mary Earps
Men’s club of the year award winner: Man City
No surprise that Man City pick up the best Men’s club of the year award.
Celebrating a historic Treble last season including an inaugural Champions League trophy.
City also picked up the same trophy last season.
Gerd Muller award winner: Erling Haaland
The Man City star has beaten the likes of Mbappe, Kane and Messi to land the award.
The Norwegian scored an incredible 56 goals for club and country.
Credit: Reuters Gerd Muller award coming up
Gary Lineker has come out to present the award.
The Match of the Day tune is being played as he comes out.
Lineker was ranked second in the Ballon d’Or in 1986.
He jokes he is worried for his job due to how well Droga is doing.
The famous picture of him presenting MOTD in his pants has been put on the screen.
Few boos from the crowd
Martinez is asked about his huge save against France in the final and as it plays there are a few boos from the crowd.
Lev Yashin award winner: Emiliano Martinez
His father Alberto has been brought out to present the award with him.
Martinez pulled out a crucial save for Argentina in the World Cup final and was crucial in seeing them win vital penalty shootouts on the way.
Credit: AFP Lev Yashin award
The award for best goalkeeper is set to be announced.
Best women’s team of the year: Barcelona
Barcelona women had a stunning year after winning the League, Champions League and Super Cup.
A more than deserved win for the inaugural prize.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
