Shifting Criteria:
One of the most notable departures from tradition in the 2023 Ballon d’Or is the alteration of the selection criteria. Unlike previous years, where the award relied on the conventional calendar year for assessment, it now considers players’ performances throughout the 2022-2023 season, spanning from August 2022 to July 2023. This significant shift could potentially provide Messi with a substantial advantage, given his outstanding form during this period.
Nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or:
The unveiling of the shortlist of candidates for the 2023 Ballon d’Or by France Football magazine brought about some surprises. Most notably, two footballing giants, Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil’s Neymar, were conspicuously absent from the list. This marks the first time since 2005 that the Portuguese star Ronaldo has failed to secure a nomination, raising questions about his recent performances. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, alongside Erling Haaland, stands out as the frontrunners for the coveted award.
Diverse Shortlist:
Among the 30 finalists disclosed by France Football, several names deserve special attention. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Harry Kane are among the notable candidates. Additionally, some newcomers have made their debut appearances on this prestigious stage, including Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala, and Julian Alvarez.
Ronaldo and Neymar’s Exclusion:
The omission of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar from the shortlist has ignited discussions and speculations. A closer examination of their performances during the period from August 2022 to July 2023 reveals potential reasons for their exclusion. Ronaldo’s less-than-stellar displays in top-tier competitions and his move to Saudi Arabia have likely influenced the decision. Similarly, Neymar’s limited impact prior to joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia this summer could have played a part in his omission.
Messi’s Success and Haaland’s Rise:
In stark contrast to Ronaldo and Neymar, Lionel Messi has enjoyed a prosperous season with PSG, both on an individual and team level. His standout performances for the Argentine national team during the 2022 World Cup have further boosted his candidacy. Erling Haaland, after a successful debut season with Manchester City, is also in the spotlight. His historic “treble” and a plethora of personal accolades, including two Premier League Golden Boots and the UEFA Champions League title, make him a strong contender.
Influence of Spanish Women:
In the women’s category, the influence of the Spanish national team is unmistakable, with players such as Redondo, Carmona, Paralluelo, and Bonmati securing nominations following their World Cup triumph.
As the anticipation for the 2023 Ballon d’Or reaches a fever pitch, the changes in criteria and the absence of Ronaldo and Neymar from the shortlist have added an element of unpredictability to this prestigious award. Whether these alterations were intended to favor Lionel Messi remains speculative, but one thing is certain: the footballing world eagerly awaits the award ceremony scheduled for October 30th, as the contenders vie for the title of the world’s best player. FIFA’s role in Messi’s potential Ballon d’Or triumph has certainly heightened the intrigue surrounding this prestigious accolade.
