On Monday, the 2023 edition of the famous Ballon d’Or award was hosted in Paris, with Argentine star Lionel Messi claiming the men’s accolade for the record-extending eighth time.
Messi won the trophy in France after defeating Norway’s Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City.
The 36-year-old replaces Karim Benzema as the winner of the award for his performances last season, when he led Argentina to World Cup triumph.
At the presentation, Spain’s World Cup-winning player Aitana Bonmati received the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Aside from the duo, there were other winners at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards in France as seen below:
Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martinez
EMILIANO MARTINEZ IS THE 2023 YACHINE TROPHY WINNER! ??#TropheeYachine #ballondor pic.twitter.com/UV0AkpFNbA
— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
Gerd Müller Award: Erling Haaland
? ????????: Erling Haaland wins the Müller Trophy as Best Striker of the year 2023 at the Ballon d’Or Gala! ✨ pic.twitter.com/lALQu69G1p
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 30, 2023
Kopa Trophy For Best Young Player: Jude Bellingham
Beautiful night at the Balond’or for the first time. Very honoured to be awarded with the Kopa Trophy. Thank you to all teammates, members of staff and coaches who have helped and shown me support up until this point of my journey and especially in the past year. Finally,… pic.twitter.com/YGdez69YBc
— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) October 30, 2023
Socrates Award: Vinicius Junior
2023 Men Club of the Year: Manchester City