The French football magazine France Football has released the list of 30 nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi having the chance to become the first active Major League Soccer player to win the prestigious trophy. Notably absent from the list for the first time in 20 years is Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner. The magazine also revealed the finalists for the Trophée Kopa, awarded to the best young player, and the Trophée Yachine, awarded to the best goalkeeper.
Among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, 11 players currently play in the Premier League, with seven of them being under contract at Manchester City. Erling Haaland, who had a remarkable season with his club and is considered Messi‘s biggest competitor for the award, is one of the favorites from the Man City squad. The winners will be announced in Paris on October 30. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner is Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, who plays in the Saudi Pro League. The only other player from the Saudi Pro League on the list is goalkeeper Bono from Al-Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or five times, is not included in the list for the first time since 2003. Messi, who holds the record with seven awards, is one of four Argentines with a chance to win the trophy. The finalists for the Trophée Kopa, given to the best young player, include Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Pedri (Barcelona), and more. The nominees for the Trophée Yachine, awarded to the best goalkeeper, include Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Ederson (Manchester City), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), and others.
Overall, this year’s Ballon d’Or nominees show a strong presence from players in the Premier League, particularly at Manchester City. Erling Haaland is seen as one of the top contenders for the award, challenging Lionel Messi‘s chances of claiming a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or. The winners will be eagerly anticipated and celebrated in the World of football.
