In the run up to the Ballon d’Or race for 2023, Manchester City’s head coach offered a bold take on the possible winners. Pep Guardiola spoke through the words of journalist Fabrizio Romano, sharing a view that fans might find refreshing and controversial all at once. He expressed a clear sympathy for both Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, suggesting that either could rightfully claim the sport’s most prestigious individual prize depending on the backdrop used for judgment. If Messi were to win, Guardiola implied, the decision would be fair given the World Cup triumph that Messi helped his nation secure. If Haaland were to win, he pointed to the extraordinary season Haaland delivered in club football as a compelling argument. The manager even proposed a double recognition for the year, saying that both players deserved to lift an award. The idea of two winners in a single year underscored Guardiola’s belief that the calendar had produced two memorable incumbents who each left a lasting mark on football in 2023. [Fabrizio Romano]
Haaland’s impact at Manchester City continued to draw attention as the Norwegian striker completed a landmark season. Across 52 appearances in all competitions, he tallied 52 goals and provided nine assists, a prolific stat line that highlighted his seamless adaptation to the Premier League even in his first full season in England. The numbers reinforced the sense that Haaland had transformed City’s attack into one of the most feared forces in top flight football. The scale of his contribution extended beyond mere goals; his movement, timing, and relentless pressure reshaped how City approached matches and broke down defenses. This period also marked a significant personal milestone for Haaland as he established new benchmarks for goal scoring in a league renowned for its defensive prowess. [Fabrizio Romano]
Messi’s career arc continued to evolve during 2023, as the Argentine talent captured a new chapter with Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The move reflected a new era in his illustrious career, one that combined MLS competition with the star power Messi consistently brings to the field. In the months following the transfer, Messi contributed 11 goals and five assists in 14 league matches, underscoring that his influence remained immense regardless of the league. His ability to adapt to different styles of play and to elevate teammates around him continued to be a focal point of discussions about his enduring greatness and why he remained a perennial contender for major individual honors. [Fabrizio Romano]
The architecture of the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2023 drew attention in the football world, with France Football announcing a date that would determine the recipient of the game’s most coveted individual prize. The organizers set the schedule for the ceremony on October 30, a timing that intensified the anticipation surrounding the list of contenders and the narratives surrounding each candidate. The event was seen as a culmination of a year in which performances across leagues and competitions varied in style and impact, yet converged on a shared recognition of excellence. [Fabrizio Romano]
Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about the candidate pool included notes from past organizers who noted the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the lineup. The commentary reflected the evolving dynamics of Ballon d’Or eligibility and competitive consideration as voters weighed a host of extraordinary seasons from players across different leagues. The dialogue around who qualified, who stood out, and how to weigh team impact against individual brilliance formed a backdrop to the 2023 edition. [Fabrizio Romano]