In a recent announcement that has the football world abuzz, France Football magazine unveiled its 30-player shortlist for the coveted 2023 Ballon d'Or award. Two names, in particular, have dominated the headlines: Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, has made a remarkable return to the nomination list. His absence from last year's shortlist was a significant talking point, especially given his tumultuous exit from FC Barcelona and a less-than-stellar debut season with Paris Saint-Germain. Injuries plagued his time with the French giants, and his performance was deemed underwhelming. However, 2022 was a redemptive year for Messi. He captained Argentina to a World Cup victory in Qatar, filling a significant void in his illustrious trophy cabinet. This World Cup triumph, coupled with his previous Copa America win, has firmly placed Messi as a frontrunner for his eighth Ballon d'Or.
On the other hand, Manchester City's Erling Haaland is seen as Messi's primary competition for the award. The Norwegian striker's meteoric rise in the football world has been nothing short of phenomenal. In the 2022-23 season, Haaland netted an impressive 52 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in Manchester City clinching the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and their maiden UEFA Champions League trophy. Haaland's debut season with the English club also saw him shatter the Premier League's single-season scoring record with 36 goals.
Manchester City's dominance is further highlighted by the fact that they have seven players, including Haaland, nominated for the Ballon d'Or. Argentina, buoyed by their World Cup win, also has a significant presence on the list, with Messi being joined by three of his national teammates.
Last year's Ballon d'Or winner, Karim Benzema, finds himself nominated once again. However, notable by his absence is Cristiano Ronaldo, who made headlines with his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
The Ballon d'Or, which recognizes the best footballer in the world, will be awarded at a ceremony in Paris on October 30th. With Messi's international triumphs and Haaland's club successes, the race for the award promises to be a closely contested affair. As the football community eagerly awaits the announcement, debates and discussions about the potential winner are sure to intensify.
