The Ballon d’Or, one of the most coveted awards in the world of soccer, is about to be awarded for 2023.
This prestigious award given by France Football magazine is presented annually to the best player of the previous season.
Every year, the expectation around who will win it is intriguing, and the 2023 edition is no exception. Lionel Messi is the favorite to win it for the eighth time in his career, which would be a record-extending feat.
Last year, former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema won the award, consolidating his position as one of the finest center-forwards in the world, but this time he does not appear among the favorites.
All eyes are on the player who has dominated the Ballon d’Or in the last decade: Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian, considered by many to be the best player of all-time, is the favorite to win it after catapulting his nation to FIFA World Cup glory last December, for the first time since 1986.
Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has won the prestigious award seven times and is once again the likely winner ahead of names such as Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.
The announcement of the Ballon d’Or winner will take place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday, October 30.
It is an event that attracts the attention of soccer fans around the world and millions eagerly await to meet the best footballer of the year and celebrate his or her achievements in the sport.
What time does the Ballon d’Or 2023 awards ceremony start?
The 2023 Ballon d’Or Gala will begin at 14:00 ET, 11:00 PT.
Where can I watch the 2023 Ballon d’Or Awards?
In the United States, broadcast rights are held by Paramount+. L’Equipe will also have a live stream on its website or the channel of Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos.
When and where is the Ballon d’Or 2023 awarded?
The Ballon d’Or 2023 will be awarded next Monday, October 30, in both the men’s and women’s categories at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
The Kopa Trophy will also be awarded to the outstanding player under 21 years of age, and the Yashin Trophy to the most outstanding goalkeeper.
List of Nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2023
Male award:
* Josko Gvardiol
* Jamal Musiala
* Andre Onana
* Karim Benzema
* Mohamed Salah
* Bukayo Saka
* Kevin De Bruyne
* Jude Bellingham
* Randal Kolo Muani
* Bernardo Silva
* Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
* Nicolò Barella
* Emiliano Martínez
* Rúben Dias
* Erling Haaland
* Martin Odegaard
* Ilkay Gündogan
* Yassine Bounou
* Julián Álvarez
* Vinicius Jr
* Rodri
* Antoine Griezmann
* Lionel Messi
* Lautaro Martínez
* Robert Lewandowski
* Kim Min-jae
* Luka Modric
* Kylian Mbappé
* Victor Osimhen
* Vinícius Jr
Female award:
* Yui Hasegawa
* Alexandra Popp
* Aitana Bonmatí
* Guro Reiten
* Ewa Pajor
* Patricia Guijarro
* Debinha
* Sam Kerr
* Daphne Van Domselaar
* Lena Oberdorf
* Hinta Miyazawa
* Millie Bright
* Salma Paralluelo
* Sophia Smith
* Hayley Raso
* Amanda Ilestedt
* Georgia Stanway
* Olga Carmona
* Fridolina Rolfo
* Rachel Daly
* Alba Redondo
* Linda Caicedo
* Kadidiatou Diani
* Khadija Shaw
* Mapi Leon
* Mary Earps
* Asisat Oshoala
* Wendie Renard
* Katie Mccabe
* Jill Roord