Ballon d’Or

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      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.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      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

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Bernardo Silva’s wife Ines joins no bra club for Ballon d’Or ceremony as awestruck fans say she looks ‘so beautiful’

      by

      BERNARDO SILVA’s wife Ines stunned as she joined the Manchester City star at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.The Treble winner was one of six City players nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
      Bernardo Silva’s wife Ines stunned at the Ballon d’Or ceremonyCredit: AFP
      Silva finished ninth in the voting for the prestigious awardCredit: Getty
      Ines began dating Silva in 2020
      The couple got married in the summer following a one-year engagement
      The model boasts hundreds of thousands of social media followers
      Erling Haaland and his partner Isabel Johansen also donned the red carpet but it was Ines who stole the show.
      The Portuguese, 25, wore a long black dress and bravely went without a bra as her top left little to the imagination.
      She carried a black clutch purse and smiled for the camera alongside Silva, who was dressed in a tuxedo.
      Silva, 29, finished ninth in the voting with and accompanied his five Citizens team-mates on stage as City were announced Men’s Club of the Year.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      That included Ruben Dias, Julian Alvarez and Rodri, while Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan, who now plays for Barcelona, watched on from the audience.
      Kevin De Bruyne was also nominated for the top gong but was absent from the ceremony.
      Silva was asked about City having six nominees for the Ballon d’Or, with the Portuguese admitting it adds extra motivation for him and his team-mates.
      He said: “So many nominees in both men’s and women’s categories, it’s a sign that the work this club, all of us together has been doing has been great.
      Most read in Football
      “It is also extra motivation to keep going and to push each other to get better and to try it again (get five players in top ten).”
      Ines met Silva in early 2020 and they got married in the summer following a one-year engagement.
      Fans loved Ines’ look with one fan describing the model as “so beautiful”.
      Another tweet was particularly impressed with Ines’ figure as she had given birth to the couple’s first child just two months ago.
      And a third tweet referring to Silva said: ”
      And a third tweet referring to Silva’s performance in City’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford yesterday read: “Owned united and now owning the biggest stage with his beautiful mrs” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans say ‘this isn’t serious’ as struggling Man Utd ace finishes higher than Bukayo Saka in Ballon d’Or

      by

      ANDRE ONANA has finished higher than Bukayo Saka in the Ballon d’Or to the surprise of fans.Arsenal supporters have been left shocked by the result as the rankings were revealed on Monday night.
      Arsenal fans were shocked to see Bukayo Saka finish 24th in the Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty
      The ceremony in Paris will see Didier Drogba present the trophy to the best player in the world for the 2022/23 season.
      As the countdown to the presentation continued, the players ranked 21st to 25th were revealed.
      However, fans were surprised to see Manchester United’s goalkeeper place in 23rd and one spot above Saka.
      Reacting on X, formerly Twitter, one supporter wrote: “This Ballon d’Or is the biggest joke of all time.”
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      Another added: “These people ranked Onana above Saka? What has the world become?”
      A third fan simply fumed: “Rigged!”
      Meanwhile, one more commented: “Surely this isn’t serious?!”
      Onana has come in for criticism since joining United in the summer after a string of errors between the sticks.
      Most read in Sport
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Andre Onana finished one place above Saka in the rankingsCredit: Getty
      However, the Ballon d’Or’s rankings are based on the 2022/23 season, where he played for Inter Milan.
      During his final season in Italy, Onana kept 19 clean sheets as his side reached the Champions League final and won the Coppa Italia.
      As for Saka, the winger scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists for the Gunners.
      He also scored three goals for England as they made it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. More

    • 88 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Ballon D’Or host Sandy Heribert?

      by

      ONE famous face linked to the lavish Ballon D’Or awards is Sandy Heribert.But who is she and is she married? From her career to her family life – here’s everything you need to know about the Ballon D’Or host.
      Sandy Heribert pictured during Paris Fashion Week in 2023Credit: The Mega Agency
      Who is Sandy Heribert?
      Sandy Heribert, born November 25, 1983, is a French-British TV journalist, show host and presenter.
      According to her website, Heribert started out her career at Eurosport, before going on to work for a number of other media outlets.
      These included CNews, My Sports Channel, RTL-TVI, Voyage and France 4.
      Heribert was also part of the media team covering the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and has provided commentary for sports entertainment reality show competition Ultimate Beastmaster on Netflix.
      Read More in Sport
      The TV journalist’s other career ventures have included covering the 2018 Dakar Rally, before working as a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 semi-finals on France 4 in Tel Aviv.
      At the time of writing, Heribert currently works for French media channel France 2 and L’Équipe.
      Is Sandy Heribert married?
      Aside from finding sporting success, Heribert has also been lucky in love.
      According to her official Instagram account, which boasts an impressive 82k followers, she is married to her husband Charles Frebraud.
      Most read in Football
      Taking to social media in September 2023, the presenter shared a sweet snap from the couple’s nuptials and wrote: ”The Febraud’s ~ 15/09/2023.
      ”One of the most beautiful days of my life celebrating love with most of our family and friends on this beach that we enjoy so much.#We are family.”
      How many children does Sandy Heribert have?
      Aside from sharing a glimpse of her married life with fans and followers, Heribert also occasionally shares a look inside her life as a mother.
      The show host’s social media is home to a number of sweet snaps alongside her daughter, who was born in May 2021.
      A post shared in July 2023, shown Sandy next to the smiling little girl, alongside a caption which read: ”You are the sunshine of my life. #motheranddaughter #Family #Love.”
      How many times has Sandy Heribert hosted the Ballon D’Or?
      The Ballon d’Or is the highest individual accolade in the game of football – and it’s back for 2023.
      The award ceremony has been previously been hosted by Heribert twice – once in 2019 and once in 2021.
      One both occasions, the presenter hosted the event, which see’s gongs for the best young player and best goalkeeper given out, alongside former footballer Didier Drogba.
      Heribert is now set to take on the role once more as the prestigious award ceremony returns on Monday, October 30, 2023 at The Theatre du Chatelet in Paris – in front of millions of viewers worldwide.
      Read More on The Sun
      You can find out more about the night’s action and how to live stream the event for free right here.
      Similarly, we have a full shortlist of nominees ahead of the glitzy ceremony here. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ballon d’Or 2023 LIVE: Lionel Messi favourite to clinch prestigious prize ahead of Erling Haaland – stream FREE

      by

      THE Ballon d’Or 2023 winner will be announced TONIGHT – and many believe it could be heading for Lionel Messi’s cabinet once again.Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland is also in the run-in after firing his side to a historic Treble by scoring 52 goals in all competitions last season
      While Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati has been tipped to win the Women’s award following her World Cup win with Spain.

      BALLON D’OR WINNER ODDS
      Follow ALL the action from the Ballon d’Or awards with our live blog below…
      Tonight’s winner ‘leaked’
      The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or appears to have been leaked to the public.
      The famous and reliable Fabrizio Romano has made a huge claim already, suggesting one legend will take home the award.

      Purnell’s men’s Ballon d’Or watch
      In 2021 Purnell and Ballon d’Or teamed up to provide the winners with a unique watch.
      For the first time, the male and female winners were each awarded a unique Ballon d’Or timepiece.
      Below is this year’s men’s and women’s watch.

      Who are the women’s Ballon d’Or nominees?

      Daphne Van Domselaar (Twente and Aston Villa)
      Lena Oberdorf (Vfl Wolfsburg)
      Hinata Miyazawa (MyNavi Sendai)
      Millie Bright (Chelsea)
      Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
      Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
      Hayley Raso (Manchester City and Real Madrid)
      Amanda Ilestedt (Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal)
      Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich)
      Olga Carmona (Real Madrid)
      Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona)
      Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)
      Alba Redondo (Levante)
      Lina Caicedo (Real Madrid)
      Kadidiatou Diani (Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais)
      Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona)
      Ewa Pajor (Vfl Wolfsburg)
      Guro Reiten (Chelsea)
      Sam Kerr (Chelsea)
      Debinha (North Carlina Courage and Kansas City Current)
      Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
      Alexandra Popp (Vfl Wolfsburg)
      Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)
      Jill Roord (Vfl Wolfsburg and Manchester City)
      Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
      Wendie Renard (Olympique Lyonnais)
      Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona)
      Mary Earps (Manchester United)
      Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw (Manchester City)
      Mapi Leon (Barcelona)

      Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?

      Lionel Messi – 7: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021
      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

      What TV channel is the Ballon d’Or 2023 and can it be live streamed FREE?
      The Ballon d’Or awards will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 this evening.
      Fans will be able to live stream the ceremony for FREE via the L’Equipe YouTube channel.
      UK viewers can also watch for FREE on TNTSports.co.uk.
      What is the Ballon d’Or?
      The Ballon d’Or is the highest individual accolade in the game of football.
      Last year saw Karim Benzema win the prestigious award after a spectacular 2021/22 campaign.
      This year many are of the opinion that Lionel Messi will be victorious for an astounding eighth time.
      The football legend helped Argentina to victory at the Qatar World Cup in December 2022 and was also voted player of the tournament.

      When is the Ballon d’Or 2023?
      Football fans do not have long to wait as the Ballon d’Or 2023 will take place tonight!
      The ceremony is expected to begin at 8pm BST.
      The Theatre du Chatelet in Paris will play host to the prestigious event. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      The four players denied Ballon d’Or by Lionel Messi including shock Liverpool star as legend prepares to win 8th award

      by

      FOOTBALL’s most prestigious award will be given on October 30, and Lionel Messi is prepared to win the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time.But there are four players who have been denied the title by the Argentine legend over the years including his arch-rival and a Liverpool star.
      Lionel Messi is set to win his eighth Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty
      Superstar Messi, 36, has been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or at this year’s ceremony on Monday night.
      But many fans think Premier League goalscoring machine Erling Haaland deserves this year’s glittering award.
      Since the award ceremony began almost 70 years years ago – Messi has become the most decorated winner of the award.
      Messi first won the award in 2009 then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And on each separate occasion, the former Barcelona star has beaten many of football’s greats.
      This includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Virgil van Dijk and Robert Lewandowski, who have all come second to the Inter Miami icon.
      Cristiano Ronaldo – Runner-up in 2009/11/12/15
      The Portuguese star has won the Ballon d’Or an impressive five times.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      But arch-rival Messi has snatched the title from the former Real Madrid star on four occasions.
      Most read in Football
      Ronaldo may not have a World Cup title unlike Messi but during his nine-year spell at Bernabeu from 2009-2018, he won four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and two Copa del Reys. 
      He is the Los Blancos’ all-time record goalscorer with 451 goals in 438 appearances.
      Ronaldo has snubbed the Argentine for the prestigious title on five occasions in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been snubbed on four occasions for the Ballon d’Or by MessiCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or five timesCredit: Getty
      Andres Iniesta – Runner-up in 2010
      Iniesta was denied his chance to win the Ballon d’Or by his former Barcelona team-mate in 2010.
      The midfielder was a key member of the victorious Spanish team in the 2010 World Cup.
      He scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands for which he was crowned the Man of the Match.
      And to top off his season he won the LaLiga and Champions League with the Catalan giants – but this was not enough to beat Messi.
      Andres Iniesta won the 2010 World Cup but lost the Ballon d’Or to former Barcelona team-mate MessiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Virgil van Dijk – Runner-up in 2019
      The Liverpool star is another football great who was snubbed of the French award by football icon Messi.
      In the 2018-19 season, the Dutch defender had a jammed-pack term in his first full campaign at Anfield.
      He won the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup – plus Van Dijk was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
      However, this was still not enough to secure the Ballon d’Or and the award ended up in the hands of the GOAT once again.
      Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was also snubbed of the Ballon d’Or to Messi in 2019Credit: AFP or licensors
      Robert Lewandowski – Runner-up in 2021
      Regarded as one of the best strikers of all time – Lewandowski is the fourth star to have the Ballon d’Or snatched from him.
      The former Bayern Munich star scored 344 goals in 375 appearances in his six-year spell at the Bundesliga giants.
      He has won the Bundesliga Top Scorer Award in seven seasons for both Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.
      Read More on The Sun
      In the 2020-21 term, he scored 41 goals in a single campaign breaking Gerd Muller’s 50-year-old record.
      But he finished second in the Ballon d’Or that year, just 33 points behind the seven-time winner Lionel Messi.
      Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski missed out on the award in 2021 to MessiCredit: EPA More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who pipped Gary Lineker to the gong before joining the army to fight against Russian invasion

      by

      IGOR BELANOV won the Ballon d’Or before joining the Ukrainian army to defend his country from the Russian invasion.The former striker is one of three players from Ukraine to have won the award, alongside Oleg Blokhin and Andriy Shevchenko.
      Igor Belanov won the Ballon d’Or in 1986
      He is among three Ukrainians to win the gongCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      He pipped World Cup Golden Boot winner Gary Lineker and Emilio Butragueno to the gong in 1986.
      It capped an impressive year for Belanov, who won both the European Cup Winners’ Cup and Soviet Top League with Dynamo Kyiv.
      Belanov also finished as the top scorer in the Cup Winners’ Cup with five goals.
      Lineker was almost beaten to the World Cup Golden Boot by the Ukrainian too, with Belanov scoring four goals in as many matches for the USSR.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Those goals included a hat-trick in their quarter-final defeat to Belgium.
      He starred for the national team again two years later as they reached the final of the Euros in 1988.
      Belanov spent the majority of his career in Ukraine – but did enjoy a five-year spell in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach and Eintracht Braunschweig.
      The forward scored eight goals in 33 caps for the USSR before retiring aged 36 in 1997.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      He went on to become a majority shareholder at Swiss club FC Wil but has spent the last five years as an advisor for the Ukrainian national team.
      Whilst working in that role, he joined the armed forces in April last year to help protect his country against the Russian invasion.
      Belanov visited injured servicemen in hospital with his Ballon d’Or trophy and met with president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his hometown Odessa.
      The pair held talks with military groups before handing out aid and gifts to military personnel.
      In a social media post following his visit, Belanov hailed the soldiers for their “amazing courage and inexhaustible fighting spirit”.
      Now 63, Belanov will be involved in this year’s Ballon d’Or awards show as a member of the voting panel for the Kopa Trophy.
      The award is given to the best player below the age of 21 and is chosen by a jury of all former Ballon d’Or winners.
      This year’s nominees include 2022 winner Gavi and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
      Belanov starred for the USSR at the 1986 World Cup and Euro 1988Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The forward’s career included a five-year spell in Germany More