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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’

    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

    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
    Read More on The Sun
    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

    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

    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

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

    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.
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    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.
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    “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

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

    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.”
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    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.
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    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

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    Who is Ballon D’Or host Sandy Heribert?

    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.
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    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.
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    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

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

    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