Ballon d’Or

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      Arsenal fans convinced Mikel Arteta is making WRONG team selection as full Ballon d’Or shortlist is confirmed

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      ARSENAL fans are adamant Mikel Arteta needs to make an important change to his starting line-up.The Gunners’ boss has insisted on starting Brentford loanee David Raya between the sticks throughout the season.
      Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale finished eighth in the Yashin Trophy rankingsCredit: Getty
      Ramsdale plays second fiddle to David Raya at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Arsenal fans have urged manager Mikel Arteta to reintegrate Ramsdale as his No1Credit: Getty
      However, the North Londoners’ supporters insist Arteta should instead reintegrate Aaron Ramsdale as his No1.
      This comes after Ramsdale finished eighth in the shortlist for the Yashin Trophy during the Ballon d’Or awards.
      The prestigious award, which is named after legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin, honours the best keeper in the world each year.
      And the England international finished ahead of the likes of Lens’ Brice Samba and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, while Raya wasn’t even on the list.
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      And fans took to social media urging Arteta to give the 25-year-old another chance.
      One Arsenal supporter tweeted: “Where is RAYA here ahead of him now?”
      Another commented: “Respect his name.”
      A third posted: “Where is Raya in all of this ?”
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      This fan said: “That’s why we should start him over Raya.”
      And that one wondered: “Where was Raya ???? Where did he rank ???? Oh wait, he didn’t!”
      This comes after a series of errors Raya has committed in goal this season against the likes of Manchester City, Lens and Chelsea. More

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      Mbappe ‘starts football’s next big rivalry’ at Ballon d’Or awards with fans excited for new ‘Messi-Ronaldo affair’

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      FANS are convinced that Kylian Mbappe has started football’s next big rivalry after his reaction to Erling Haaland collecting an award.The French star was beaten by the Norweigan to the Gerd Muller Trophy which was presented during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
      Kylian Mbappe looked less than impressed as Erling Haaland won the Gerd Muller Trophy
      Erling Haaland earned the award for his 56 goals last seasonCredit: EPA
      Mbappe, 24, missed out on the heralded accolade after Haaland’s prolific debut for Manchester City.
      The striker netted an outstanding 56 goals for club and country last season which saw him outscore every striker in Europe, including Mbappe.
      Mbappe was only two goals short of the former Borussia Dortmund man as he also enjoyed an impressive season with PSG and France.
      However as Haaland, 23, went up to collect his award from Gary Lineker, Mbappe looked less than impressed as he gave his rival a slow clap.
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      Fans spotted the moment on social media as they claimed that the next big rivalry in football is here.
      One fan posted: “Moving like he was forced to clap.”
      A second commented: “The rivalry has already begun. The next few years will be worthwhile.”
      A third wrote: “Very bored dad at recital vibes.”
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      A fourth said: “‘It’s about to be a Ronaldo-Messi affair between those two. There’s Bellingham there too. Mbappe should leave PSG if he really wants that award.”
      Other fans joked that Mbappe was upset that Haaland took his sport as the cover star of EA Sports’ EA FC 24 computer game.
      One fan joked: “Looks like he didn’t take Haaland nabbing his EA cover star well.”
      Another added: “Jealousy is a terrible thing.”
      The pair’s potential rivalry will follow the competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      That debate was surely ended during the ceremony as Messi was handed his eighth Ballon d’Or award.
      Mbappe’s night got worse as he was left alone on his row as the surrounding Manchester City stars were awarded the prize for the best men’s team.
      On winning the Gerd Muller award, Haaland said: “It’s a huge honour to receive the Gerd Muller Trophy.  
      “I couldn’t have scored the number of goals I did last season without all of my teammates and this award is another reminder of the incredible year we all enjoyed together. 
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      “We work hard every day to win every game and every competition we play in, but to not only lift the first Champions League in this Club’s history but also the Premier League and FA Cup is something none of us could have imagined. 
      “I’m proud of what we achieved as a team last season, but our focus now is on trying to do it all again this year.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘shameless’ response to furious claims Lionel Messi ‘stole’ three Ballon d’Ors slammed by fans

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been slammed by fans after his social media post following Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win last night. Messi picked up a record eighth Ballon d’Or award in Paris yesterday evening while Ronaldo wasn’t nominated for the first time in 20 years.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been slammed for his response to Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’or winCredit: Getty
      Messi picked up his eighth Ballon d’Or award last nightCredit: EPA
      CR7 thought the whole things was a big joke, seemingly
      The pair have had a rivalry for the ages over the years as they battled it out for the accolade of the best player in the world.
      But Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or victory now sends him three clear of Ronaldo’s five trophies and in the eyes of many puts the debate to bed.
      And some fans are suggesting the Portuguese superstar is a little hurt by slipping further behind his rival.
      Following the ceremony in Paris, Spanish journalist Tomás Roncero posted a video commenting on the awards.
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      He said: “Hello friends. What we knew happened, they were going to give Messi another Ballon d’Or again. 
      “He went to retire in Miami, even though he already looked like he was retired at PSG preparing for the World Cup. He won the World Cup, yes, good, but with six penalties… The World Cup was ten months ago, it’s November. 
      “Messi has eight Ballon d’Ors, he should have had five. He has [Andres] Iniesta/Xavi’s Ballon d’Or, [Robert] Lewandowski’s who won six trophies in one season and [Erling] Haaland’s who was the top scorer.”
      Ronaldo then commented on the scathing video on Instagram leaving four laughing emoji’s underneath the post.
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      Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or trophies, three less than MessiCredit: Getty
      Although it is not yet known what the Al-Nassr star’s response meant, many fans have suggested he isn’t pleased that Messi won another Ballon d’Or.
      Taking to social media one fan wrote: “Actually can’t believe how embarrassing this behaviour is, how has he not just accepted the debate is done.”
      While another added: “How shameless can this guy be?”
      A third posted: “Ronaldo is so childish, this is some people’s goat. The Messi Ballon d’Or really hurt this guy.”
      Inter Miami’s Messi finished ahead of Erling Haaland in second place for the individual accolade.
      While Kylian Mbappe was the third-placed nominee closely followed by Man City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri in fourth and fifth place.
      Jude Bellingham collected the Kopa Trophy for the best young player and Emiliano Martinez was named the Yashin Trophy winner for being the best goalkeeper of the year.
      Jude Bellingham was awarded the Kopa TrophyCredit: Getty
      Emiliano Martinez was named as the best keeper of the yearCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Football fans slam IShowSpeed as the ‘worst thing to happen to football since Salt Bae’ after his antics at Ballon d’Or

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      FOOTBALL fans have ripped into internet star IShowSpeed after his bizarre reaction to Lionel Messi winning the Ballon d’Or.Argentine icon Messi, 36, claimed the award for a record-extending eighth time on Monday evening ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
      IShowSpeed was bizarrely gobsmacked by Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win
      He stood up in disbelief at the decision
      IShowSpeed was close to the stage where Messi was presented with the award
      It comes after he inspired his country to World Cup glory in Qatar in December.
      Messi was hotly-tipped to claim the crown before the ceremony.
      Yet Cristiano Ronaldo superfan IShowSpeed was still confusingly dumbfounded when the Barcelona legend’s name was read out.
      The YouTube star attended the awards in Paris and was close to the stage for the announcement.
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      He muttered “Ronaldo” moments before Messi was confirmed as the winner, even though the Al-Nassr forward was not included in the 30-man shortlist.
      When Messi was officially declared the winner, he theatrically got off his seat and began barking loudly, much to the astonishment of those around him.
      Fans on social media were quick to slam his strange behaviour.
      And one even compared him to Salt Bae – the celebrity chef who was criticised for going up to Argentina’s World Cup winners on the pitch following their triumph in Qatar.
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      One said: “Watching Speed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony is similar to how it felt to see Salt Bae during the World Cup final celebrations.”
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      Another added: “The world and football gone made. Why is this guy even there?”
      A third replied: “Why is he barking? Omg, wheres the security?”
      While a fourth responded: “This guy attending that ceremony is just very degrading for this prestigious award.”
      And a fifth simply said: “This is beyond cringe.”
      Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’OrCredit: The Mega Agency More

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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