Lionel Messi top favorite to win eighth Ballon d’Or, can Erling Haaland throw a spanner in the works of Argentina’s world champion?

The 67th Golden Ball, the most prestigious individual football trophy, will be awarded on Monday evening in the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. After his fantastic performance at the World Cup in Qatar, where he led Argentina to the world title, Lionel Messi seems to be favorite to win for the eighth time. Champions League winners Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Braut Haaland also have a chance to win the trophy.

Bron: BELGIAN

Last year Karim Benzema received the Ballon d’Or. The French attacker, who exchanged Real Madrid for the Saudi Al-Ittihad in the summer, has been nominated again, but a new election would be a big surprise. Then the cards are much better for Messi. The 36-year-old Argentinian completed his impressive list of achievements at the end of 2022 with a world title after a strong tournament where he was named the best player. Messi won the Golden Ball seven times between 2009 and 2021, making him the record holder ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese is not among the 30 nominees after his transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois, seventh in the results last year, is not among the nominees this time but can succeed himself as winner of the Lev Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

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Erling Haaland was noted with a dot. The Norwegian goal machine won the title, cup and Champions League with Manchester City and had a major share in the treble with his many goals. His teammate De Bruyne finished third in the Ballon d’Or last year, after Benzema and Senegalese Sadio Mané. KDB also had an excellent season, although he was unlucky by dropping out early in the Champions League final against Inter.

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Alexia Putellas, winner of the previous two editions, has not been nominated for the women. Due to a serious knee injury, she was sidelined for almost the entire season. Her compatriot Aitana Bonmati is the favorite. The 25-year-old midfielder became world champion with Spain and won the treble with Barcelona.

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