The nominees for all categories at the France Football gala were announced on Wednesday, signaling the early phase of the Ballon d’Or 2023 race. The Ballon d’Or remains one of football’s most celebrated individual honors, traditionally awarded to the season’s standout performer across the summer-to-summer cycle. While Karim Benzema captured the title in 2022, anticipation is already building for the contenders who could write the next chapter in this prestigious list of past champions. Alongside the Ballon d’Or, the ceremony will also honor the Kopa Trophy for the best young player and the Lev Yashin Award, along with the prize for the best female footballer of the year. The debate about who deserves to win continues to spark discussion among fans and analysts alike.
How many Ballon d’Ors has Messi won?
When will the Ballon d’Or 2023 be awarded?
Next Monday, October 30, the Ballon d’Or will be announced for both men and women. The timing aligns with the pattern of previous editions, which also took place in October, rather than following the calendar year. The ceremony promises a showcase of top performers from across football, with national teams and clubs represented by the year’s most impactful players.
Candidates and nominees
At this stage, Lionel Messi appears to be leading the field thanks to his performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he was recognized as the tournament’s best player. On the other hand, Erling Haaland could surge in momentum after guiding Manchester City to a treble, making a strong case for his inclusion at the top of the ballot.
ADVICE: WHY HAALAND SHOULD WIN IT
ADVICE: WHY LEO MESSI SHOULD WIN IT
ALL CANDIDATES FOR THE BALLON D’OR
The list of nominees for the Men’s Ballon d’Or was announced on Wednesday, September 6, and includes a mix of proven stars and rising talents. The following players were named as nominees for the Men’s Ballon d’Or:
- Andre Onana
- Josho Gvardiol
- Karim Benzema
- Jamal Musiala
- Mohammed Salah
- Jude Bellingham
- Bukayo Saka
- Randal Kolo Muani
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Bernardo Silva
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Nicolo Barella
- Emiliano Martinez
- Reuben Dias
- Erling Haaland
- Yassin Bonou
- Martin Odegaard
- Julian Alvarez
- Ilkay Gündogan
- Vinícius Jr.
- Lionel Messi
- Rodri
- Lautaro Martínez
- Antoine Griezmann
- Robert Lewandowski
- Kim Min-jae
- Luka Modrić
- Kylian Mbappé
- Victor Osimhen
- Harry Kane
NOMINATED FOR THE KOPA TROPHY (best player under 21)
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Dominik Livaković
- Emiliano Martínez
- Thibaut Courtois
- Aaron Ramsdale
- Mike Maignan
- Yassin Bono
- Andre Onana
- Brie Samba
- Ederson
NOMINATED FOR THE FEMALE BALLON D’Or
- Kadidiatou Diani (OL Lyon)
- Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)
- Alba Redondo (Levante)
- Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)
- Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona)
- Olga Carmona (Real Madrid)
- Georgia Stanway (Bayern)
- Amanda Ilestedt (Arsenal)
- Hayley Raso (Real Madrid)
- Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
- Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
- Millie Bright (Chelsea)
- Hinata Miyazawa (Nadi Sendai)
- Lena Oberdorf (Wolfsburg)
- Daphne Van Domselaar (Aston Villa)
- Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona)
- Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg)
- You Hasegawa (Manchester City)
- Jill Roord (Wolfsburg/Manchester City)
- Katie Maccabe (Arsenal)
PAST WINNERS
Source: Goal