Ballon d’Or

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      Ballon d’Or slammed as ‘utter disgrace’ after Novak Djokovic hands over women’s award to Aitana Bonmati

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      THE BALLON D’OR was slammed as an “utter disgrace” after Novak Djokovic presented the women’s award.Aitana Bonmati was crowned Ballon d’Or Feminin winner at Monday night’s ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
      Novak Djokovic was chosen to present the Ballon d’Or FemininCredit: AP
      Aitana Bonmati collected the award after her stunning season for Barcelona and SpainCredit: AP

      Bonmati, 25, enjoyed a stunning 2022-23 season for club and country.
      The midfielder won the Primera Division, Women’s Champions League and Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona.
      She was then named player of the tournament after inspiring Spain to Women’s World Cup glory.
      Sam Kerr finished second in the vote while Barca and Spain star Salma Paralluelo was third.
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      However, furious fans flooded social media with negative comments that a male tennis player presented Bonmati with the iconic trophy.
      And others pointed out that world No1 Djokovic – who has a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles – has previously caused controversy with his comments suggesting men should be paid more than women in tennis.
      One said: “I don’t understand why Djokovic presented this. He’s not even a feminist or an ally of women’s sports! He has advocated against equal pay in tennis!!!”
      Another wrote: “Don’t really understand why we were hearing about Novak Djokovic’s achievements and career when the focus should have been on talented female players but anyway, there’s still a long way to go before women’s football is regarded as equal to the men’s game.”
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      A third added: “I really don’t understand why Djokovic was chosen to present the women’s Ballon d’Or. With the world watching that was an opportunity to celebrate women. An opportunity to promote gender equality. There’s a lot about tonight that failed women’s football.”
      A fourth commented: “Why have you got Novak Djokovic presenting the women’s award just to ask him about men’s football and nothing else? Come on.”
      A fifth quipped: “Presented by women’s football legend Novak Djokovic.”
      And a final user moaned: “Lmao, one of sport’s biggest p****s Novak ‘I think women should be paid less than men’ Djokovic invited to give out the women’s Ballon d’Or… the disrespect for women in this sport is a joke”
      Djokovic – who was also at the Rugby World Cup final with Rita Ora ahead of competing in this week’s Paris Masters – was also criticised for not handing over the trophy to Bonmati, instead reading out her name and shaking her hand with no silverware in sight.
      BUNGLE D’OR
      Bungling organisers backstage desperately brought the trophy out late with Bonmati ready to do her acceptance speech without getting her hands on the golden ball.
      France Football came under fire for bringing in the tennis legend to present the award – while the men got football icons.
      David Beckham gave Lionel Messi his eighth Ballon d’Or while Gary Lineker fulfilled the job for Erling Haaland’s Gerd Muller trophy and Eden Hazard did it as Jude Bellingham got the best young player gong.
      Emiliano Martinez received the Lev Yashin goalkeeper trophy from his dad and the Socrates Prize for the best social initiative was given to Vinicius Junior by Prince Albert of Monaco.
      Though the club of the year award takes into consideration men and women players, fans let rip for there being no under-21, goalkeeper or top goalscorer trophies for women.
      To make matters worse, plenty of of the top female footballers were unable to attend the gala event due to Women’s Nations League matches taking place this week, with England facing Belgium tonight.
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      Another fan wrote: “Ballon d’Or 2023. No awards for: Women’s U21 player, Women’s Gerd Muller, Women’s Lev Yashin. The Women’s award was presented by Novak Djokovic, a player who made it all about him rather than Aitana Bonmati. Utter disgrace.”
      And another supporter fumed: “We are living in the year of women’s football and we’re holding the Ballon d’Or in their international window and having Novak Djokovic present the award. The disrespect.”
      Lionel Messi received Ballon d’Or No8 from David BeckhamCredit: AP
      Djokovic is in Paris for the Masters 1000 tennis eventCredit: Reuters More

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      Awkward moment Kylian Mbappe is left all alone on live TV during Ballon d’Or ceremony after seating blunder

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE was left awkwardly sitting alone after a huge blunder during the Ballon d’Or awards.Lionel Messi was crowned the best player of the year for the eighth time in his career, with Erling Haaland coming second and the Frenchman finishing third.
      Kylian Mbappe was sat with some of the Man City team during last night’s ceremonyCredit: @cbssportsgolazo
      Mbappe was awkwardly left alone as all those around him stood up to collect an awardCredit: @cbssportsgolazo
      Manchester City won the best men’s team award and their players in attendance were called to the stage when their victory was announced.
      The likes of Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Rodri all got up to accept the gong.
      And it meant that Mbappe was left with plenty of empty chairs next to him as he was bizarrely sat in the middle of the Man City team.
      The PSG star awkwardly looked around as everyone around him stood up as he remained seated.
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      Fans found the situation hilarious, with one saying: “They did him dirty.. he looked left and right and was like s***.”
      Another added: “Damn Mbappe I know you’re deeping you should be with City.”
      A third said: “This was a message for him to leave PSG.”
      Mbappe is yet to get his hands on the Ballon d’Or trophy but this year’s winner Messi believes he eventually will.
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      The Argentine admitted that he expects his former team-mate and Haaland – who won the Gerd Muller prize for top scorer and celebrated with a meal out – to battle it out for the accolade several times in the future.
      Messi said: “It’s going to be a nice fight between the two of them and between several other younger players around here.”
      Messi won his eighth Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty
      Erling Haaland with the Gerd Muller trophy for being the best striker of the yearCredit: Reuters More

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      Lionel Messi refuses to answer Cristiano Ronaldo question after Al-Nassr star snubbed Ballon d’Or ceremony

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      LIONEL MESSI was asked if he is the greatest footballer of all-time after picking up his eighth Ballon d’Or.The 36-year-old was crowned the best player of the year once again during a star-studded ceremony in Paris last night.
      Lionel Messi did not want to say he was the best of all-timeCredit: @FCBarcelona
      The legend won his eighth Ballon d’Or last nightCredit: AP
      Messi moves three ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the most Ballon d’Or wins standingsCredit: AP
      His World Cup winning exploits with Argentina in Qatar last year saw him edge Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and PSG star Kylian Mbappe to the award.
      Messi has claimed the Ballon d’Or eight times in his career and his GOAT rival Cristiano Ronaldo now trails behind on five.
      The Al-Nassr star missed out on nomination this year.
      Following the presentation of the accolade, Messi was asked if he is the best to ever grace the beautiful game.
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      But the humble icon refused to be drawn into an answer, saying: “I don’t know if I’m the best.
      “I don’t ask myself the question and it doesn’t interest me.
      “The fact that they say that I am one of the best is already an honour.
      “All children want to play football and try to be one of the best.”
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      With the Barcelona hero now playing for Inter Miami and with him nearing an age where he might decide to hang up his boots, Messi revealed he expects Haaland and Mbappe to battle for the Ballon d’Or many times in the future.
      He said: “It’s going to be a nice fight between the two of them and between several other younger players around here.
      “They both deserved it this year, Erling, this could have been yours and it would have felt perfect.”
      Messi also admitted that he will love Barcelona his “whole life” despite his Nou Camp return not materialising after he left PSG.
      Messi won his first in 2009 More

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      Erling Haaland whisks model girlfriend off for romantic meal after winning Gerd Muller trophy at Ballon d’Or awards

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      ERLING HAALAND whisked his girlfriend off for a romantic meal in Paris after the Ballon d’Or awards. The Manchester City striker, 23, was at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday night, little more than 24 hours after lighting up the Manchester derby.
      Erling Haaland headed out for dinner after the Ballon d’Or ceremonyCredit: Splash
      His model girlfriend Isabel Johansen dazzled in her sparkling dressCredit: Splash
      He collected the Gerd Muller trophy, given to the top scorer for the 2022-23 season.
      Haaland found the net an incredible 56 times in 57 matches for club and country last term, firing City to a historic Treble.
      The giant Norwegian pipped the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi to the prestigious gong.
      But Messi claimed the top prize as he was voted Ballon d’Or winner for a record-extending eighth time after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
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      However, second-placed Haaland was not going to let the result ruin his evening.
      Instead, he was pictured heading out for dinner with model partner Isabel Johansen in the French capital.
      Isabel dazzled in her sparking rose gold dress and heels while Haaland looked sharp in his navy tux – but ditched the bow tie and let down his flowing hair.
      The couple met through football when the pair were both playing for Bryne in Norway as youngsters.
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      But despite growing up together, it is understood it was not until Haaland was at Borussia Dortmund that they started dating.
      The pair have regularly been spotted out in public for dinners and shopping trips – and Isabel continues to support her man at various awards ceremonies thanks to his incredible goalscoring heroics.
      And it was his sensational debut season at the Etihad that saw him land the Gerd Muller trophy on Monday night.
      A video showed all 56 of his goals on the screen before host Didier Drogba tried to convince Haaland to replicate either the legendary Chelsea striker’s celebration or that of Gary Lineker – who presented the award – after his next goal.
      And fans may not have to wait long to see if he does it as City host strugglers Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
      Haaland also helped the Citizens land the club of the year prize with ten players nominated for the Ballon d’Or and Ballon d’Or Feminin.
      The couple were out in ParisCredit: Splash
      Haaland ditched the bow tie but still looked classy in his navy tuxCredit: Splash
      They got a lift in a mini bus to the restaurantCredit: Splash
      It was a night of celebration for the Manchester City strikerCredit: Splash
      The Norwegian even let his hair downCredit: Splash
      The couple stunned on the red carpet at the Theatre Du ChateletCredit: EPA
      Haaland picked up the Gerd Muller trophy for being the top goalscorer in 2022-23Credit: AP More

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      Lautaro Martinez’s wife stuns in see-through dress at Ballon d’Or ceremony as fans call star ‘the best Argentine LM10’

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      LAUTARO MARTINEZ’S wife Agustina Gandolfo stunned in a see-through outfit at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday night.Inter Milan and Argentina forward Martinez, 26, was present at the awards in Paris to watch compatriot Lionel Messi claim a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.
      Lautaro Martinez and Agustina Gandolfo at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday nightCredit: AFP
      Agustina stunned in a see-through green dressCredit: Rex
      But it was Martinez’s wife, Agustina, who drew the eye upon the couple’s arrival.
      She wore a stunning see-through green dress for the occasion as fans hailed the photos on social media.
      One said: “F*****g hell, he is truly the best Argentine LM10 EVER.”
      Another added: “She’s lovely ❤️.”
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      While a third replied: “Winning on and off the pitch.”
      And a fourth simply said: “Cute couple.”
      Martinez, 26, has been married to Argentine model Agustina Gandolfo since May.
      The couple have two children together – Nina, 2, and Theo who was born in August.
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      Martinez and and Agustina married earlier this year
      Martinez has been living in Italy since 2018 when he joined Inter Milan from Argentine side Racing Club.
      He has bagged 114 goals in 251 games for the Serie A giants, winning the league title in 2021, claiming two Coppa Italia and reaching the Champions League final last season.
      He also helped Messi and Argentina lift the World Cup in December.
      Last month, Martinez was ordered to pay the family of his former babysitter for allegedly sacking her after finding out she had a serious illness.
      The woman, 27, was allegedly relieved of her duties after eight months in the role when Martinez became aware she had a terminal illness. More

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      Amended all-time Ballon d’Or with Pele and Maradona released as Lionel Messi discovers who is the OFFICIAL goat

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      LIONEL MESSI scooped his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy win last night at a glittering ceremony.And the win means he is officially the GOAT after moving clear of Pele on the amended all-time list.
      Lionel Messi has eight Ballon d’Or wins to his name… and is now clear in the amended all-time listCredit: AFP
      Messi has pulled clear of Pele’s seven awards, and is well ahead of Diego Maradona’s twoCredit: EPA
      Messi was all smiles last night as he pipped Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or for the third time in five years.
      The Inter Miami forward enjoyed a spectacular year as he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
      The win saw Messi extend his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five Ballon d’Ors.
      But the result also meant Messi finally pulled clear in the amended all-time list as well.
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      In 2016, award organisers France Football published a new list of winners before 1995.
      Up until that point, only European players were eligible to win the award.
      The original victors did not lose their trophy.
      But the results astonishingly revealed that Brazil legend Pele should have won an incredible seven times, including six times in seven years.
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      Argentina icon Diego Maradona was also entitled to two wins.
      Finally, Brazilians Garrincha and Romario, as well as Argentina’s Mario Kempes, also missed out on gongs due to being from South America.
      It meant Pele was the amended all-time leading winner until Messi matched him in 2021.
      But after picking up Ballon d’Or No8 last night, the Barcelona legend is now the undisputed GOAT in the list.
      Fans reacted to the news, with one saying: “The greatest there is, the greatest there was and the greatest there will ever be.”
      One noted: “I didn’t even know Pele won that many!”
      Another declared: “Now the debate is over, Messi is the GOAT.”
      One added: “Ronaldo not even top two of all time.” More

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      Premier League cult hero, 42, changes look for Ballon d’Or ribbon-cutting as fans say star has ‘aged so gracefully’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Djibril Cisse sported a new look at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.The former striker cut the ribbon to open up the red carpet ahead of the awards show.
      Fans praised Djibril Cisse’s look at the Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty
      The former striker cut the ribbon to open the red carpet in ParisCredit: PA
      Cisse looked suave in a white suit decorated with birdsCredit: Reuters
      A suave Cisse looked the part in a white suit covered with birds – but that was not the only striking thing about the Frenchman.
      Famed for his different colour hairstyles in his career, Cisse is no different in his retirement, having hung up his boots in 2021.
      Now Cisse sports blue hair, but fans were complimentary and suggested he has aged well.
      One said: “Now that is what you call style, wow Cisse looking very suave.”
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      Another added: “Djibril Cisse has aged so gracefully.”
      A third wrote: “Dripping 🔥”
      And another commented: “He doesn’t miss.”
      Messi picked up his eighth Ballon d’Or at the Paris ceremony, beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the top award.
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      England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham picked up the Kopa Trophy for young player of the year.
      While Manchester City, who has several players in the top ten of the Ballon d’Or voting, won club of the year. More

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      Ballon d’Or 2023 results in FULL – where every player finished in top 30 shortlist

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      THE Ballon d’Or 2023 has concluded in a glittering ceremony in Paris.Lionel Messi was bidding to win for the eighth time after securing victory in the World Cup in Qatar.
      Lionel Messi was in line to win his eighth Ballon d’OrCredit: GETTY
      BALLON D’OR AWARDS LIVE
      Erling Haaland was also a contender after scoring 52 goals in 53 games in all competitions in the 2022/23 season and the forward won the Treble with Manchester City last campaign.
      The Norwegian joined fellow Cityzens Josko Gvardiol, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Julian Alvarez on the 30-man shortlist.
      Other Premier League nominees included Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard and Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.
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      England skipper Harry Kane was also in contention as was Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
      Ballon d’Or 2023 full results
      30th – Ruben Dias
      28th – Randal Kolo Muani
      28th – Martin Odegaard
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      27th – Nicolo Barella
      26th – Jamal Musiala
      25th –  Josko Gvardiol
      24th – Bukayo Saka
      23rd – Andre Onana
      22nd – Kim Min-Jae
      21st – Antoine Griezmann
      20th – Lautaro Martinez
      19th – Harry Kane
      18th – Jude Bellingham
      17th – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
      16th – Karim Benzema
      15th – Emi Martinez
      14th – Ilkay Gundogan
      13th – Yassine Bounou
      12th – Robert Lewandowski
      11th – Mo Salah
      10th – Luka Modric
      9th – Bernardo Silva
      8th – Victor Osimhen
      7th – Julian Alvarez
      6th – Vinicius Jr
      5th – Rodri
      4th – Kevin De Bruyne
      3rd – Kylian Mbappe
      2nd – Erling Haaland
      1st – Lionel Messi
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      Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
      Here is a list of all the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners:

      Lionel Messi – 8: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 5: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
      Michel Platini – 3: 1983, 1984, 1985
      Johan Cruyff – 3: 1971, 1971, 1974
      Marco van Basten – 3: 1988, 1989, 1992
      Franz Beckenbauer – 2: 1972, 1976
      Ronaldo – 2: 1997, 2002
      Alfredo Di Stefano – 2: 1957, 1959
      Kevin Keegan – 2: 1978, 1979
      Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2: 1980, 1981 More