In a surprising twist, the renowned French sports newspaper L’Équipe has recently unveiled four significant modifications to the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards, all seemingly tailored to ensure Lionel Messi’s triumph. Departing from the usual criteria, the 2023 Ballon d’Or takes into account players’ performances during the 2022-2023 season (from August 2022 to July 2023) rather than the conventional calendar year. This shift has unquestionably placed Messi in pole position to secure the highly coveted award.
A Departure from Tradition: Traditionally, the Ballon d’Or has followed the standard calendar year for its assessment. However, for the 2023 edition, the criteria have been revamped to consider players’ displays throughout the 2022-2023 season. This change is a pivotal departure from tradition and has set the stage for some unexpected outcomes.
Messi’s Firm Grip on the Award: With the revised criteria favoring performances within the current season, it’s nearly indisputable that Lionel Messi has a firm grip on the Ballon d’Or. His consistently exceptional performances throughout the 2022-2023 season have solidified his claim to the coveted accolade.
The Ballon d’Or’s Evolving Nature: The evolution of the Ballon d’Or is becoming increasingly evident. As the 2023 award criteria reveal, it has evolved into a less predictable honor, emphasizing the importance of consistent season-long excellence over calendar-year achievements.
France Football’s Shortlist: France Football magazine has recently unveiled the trimmed-down list of candidates for the 2023 Ballon d’Or. This selection has notably excluded two football icons: Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil’s superstar, Neymar. In stark contrast, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland emerge as the most promising contenders for the award.
The Standout Contenders: Among the 30 finalists announced by France Football, several names stand out. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Harry Kane are among the most prominent candidates. Additionally, some newcomers have earned their first-ever nominations, such as Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala, and Julian Alvarez.
Ronaldo and Neymar’s Absence: Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar’s notable absence from the shortlist marks a historic moment. It’s the first time since 2005 that the Portuguese sensation Ronaldo fails to secure a spot among the finalists. Their exclusion can be attributed to their relatively subdued performances during the 2022-2023 season. Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia and Neymar’s limited impact before joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia this summer have likely played a role.
Messi’s Success and Haaland’s Rise: In stark contrast to Ronaldo and Neymar, Lionel Messi has enjoyed a successful season at PSG, notching up impressive individual achievements. Furthermore, his standout performances for the Argentine national team in the 2022 World Cup have added to his accolades. Erling Haaland, too, is a strong contender after a successful debut season with Manchester City, achieving a historic “treble” and accumulating numerous individual awards, including two Premier League Golden Boots and the UEFA Champions League title.
Women’s Category: The women’s category also showcases a strong Spanish presence, with players such as Redondo, Carmona, Paralluelo, and Bonmati earning nominations after winning the World Cup.
Conclusion: As the football world eagerly awaits the results, all eyes are on Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland as they stand out as the top contenders for the 2023 Ballon d’Or. The award ceremony, set to take place on October 30th, promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event, highlighting the dynamic nature of football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
