Ballon d’Or

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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

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      Ballon d’Or 2023 LIVE RESULT: Lionel Messi WINS for EIGHTH time ahead of Erling Haaland – updates

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      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.

      Follow ALL the action from the Ballon d’Or awards with our live blog below…
      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. More

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      Lionel Messi wins EIGHTH Ballon d’Or gong after pipping Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to prestigious award

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      LIONEL MESSI has won his eighth Ballon d’Or.The superstar pipped Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the award after winning the 2022 World Cup.
      Lionel Messi has won his eighth Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP
      Messi’s successes date back to 2009
      The Argentine’s World Cup success was a key reason behind his winCredit: Reuters
      Messi, 36, played a pivotal role in Argentina’s success with seven goals, including two in the final.
      He also scored a spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out against France and opened the scoring in a tense group game against Mexico where a defeat could have sent Argentina out.
      Messi also won Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain before inspiring Inter Miami to their first piece of silverware, winning the Leagues Cup.
      He has now won 29 trophies in his career and an eighth Ballon d’Or means Messi boasts 45 individual honours.
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      Messi now has three more Ballon d’Or titles than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has the next most wins with five.
      The Portuguese missed out on a nomination this year following his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
      Instead several young talents got the nod including England star Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich ace Jamal Musiala.
      But they missed out on a top three place with Haaland second and Mbappe third.
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      The two other English players on the list, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, finished 24th and 19th respectively, with Saka finishing behind Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
      Bellingham, 20, picked up the Kopa Trophy for best young player in the world and his 18th place in the Ballon d’Or voting means he is the highest-ranked Englishman. More