The anticipation is palpable as we count down to one of the most awaited moments in the world of football. On Monday, October 30, 2023, the glittering 2023 Ballon d’Or and Ballon d’Or Feminin awards will be handed out at a star-studded ceremony in the heart of Paris. The stage is set, the nominees are poised, and the footballing world is holding its collective breath. In this report, we’ll dive into the frontrunners, the surprises, and the drama that unfolds as we get closer to unveiling the victors.
The Men’s Ballon d’Or: Messi’s Quest for History
Prediction: All eyes are on Lionel Messi, who is poised to make history by clinching the Ballon d’Or for an unprecedented eighth time. Should he triumph, it would be a record-breaking feat, but there’s a twist – he might do it while playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). No one has ever won the Ballon d’Or while plying their trade in the MLS, making this year’s award particularly noteworthy.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati Takes the Lead
Prediction: In the women’s category, Spain’s World Cup champion Aitana Bonmati is the frontrunner. She’s the favorite to snatch the coveted title, with Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas, the previous two-time winner, ruled out due to injury. Bonmati’s stellar performances on the pitch have made her the talk of the town.
The Countdown to Revelation
The tension is building, and the winners are set to be unveiled at approximately 10 p.m. local time (4 p.m. ET). As the clock ticks, we’re here to bring you live updates and reactions directly from the prestigious Theatre du Chatelet.
Live Updates and Final Rankings
- 6:00 p.m. GMT / 2:00 p.m. ET: In a surprising turn of events, Dibu Martinez, the World Cup Golden Glove winner, secures a spot at 15th place, while Yassine Bounou, who did not clinch the World Cup Golden Glove, lands at 13th. An interesting choice, considering Dibu’s probable claim to the Yashin Award for the world’s best goalkeeper.
- 5:45 p.m. GMT / 1:45 p.m. ET: Karim Benzema makes an appearance at 16th place, marking the final time he’ll feature on the list, as players from clubs outside Europe are ineligible for the Ballon d’Or.
- 5:30 p.m. GMT / 1:30 p.m. ET: Notable names like Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez join the rankings, and Jude Bellingham, the favorite for next year’s award, also secures a spot.
- 5:15 p.m. GMT / 1:15 p.m. ET: Antoine Griezmann enters the top 10 rankings, moving us one step closer to the ultimate prize.
- 5:00 p.m. GMT / 1:00 p.m. ET: As the countdown to the awards ceremony continues, we witness some intriguing placements. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard appear to be underrated, and the ranking of Josko Gvardiol over Ruben Dias raises questions about the weighting of World Cup performance against club achievements.
- 4:45 p.m. GMT / 12:45 p.m. ET: The Ballon d’Or social media account releases the rankings, starting from the bottom. Jamal Musiala secures the 26th position, promising a bright future for the young German talent. However, Martin Odegaard’s contributions to Arsenal and Ruben Dias’ treble-winning season with Man City suggest they deserve higher placements.
- 4:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET: This year’s Ballon d’Or might just be one of the closest votes in history. While Lionel Messi won the most one-sided victory back in 2009, he may find himself in a tight race this time, akin to historical close finishes.
- 3:30 p.m. GMT / 11:30 a.m. ET: Kevin De Bruyne’s podium appearance is highly anticipated, following his third-place finish in the 2022 edition. However, notable absentees, including last year’s winner Karim Benzema and runner-up Sadio Mane, add intrigue to this year’s awards.
- 2:30 p.m. GMT / 10:30 a.m. ET: A different outcome in the World Cup shootout could have crowned Kylian Mbappe as a back-to-back world champion and a prime candidate for the Ballon d’Or. As things stand, Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri pose a challenge for the third spot.
Women’s Ballon d’Or: The Spanish Connection
Prediction: The Ballon d’Or Feminin is expected to remain in Spanish hands. Alexia Putellas, the previous winner, has been grappling with injuries, paving the way for Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati to stake her claim for the coveted individual prize. The resilience of the Spanish team during the 2023 Women’s World Cup has bolstered Bonmati’s chances.
Erling Haaland’s Challenge
Erling Haaland is set to be Lionel Messi’s primary contender for the Ballon d’Or. His debut season at Manchester City, marked by a treble-winning campaign and an astonishing 52 goals in 53 appearances, makes a compelling case for the Norwegian striker. Even if he doesn’t seize the title this time, Haaland’s trajectory points toward future Ballon d’Or glory.
The Grand Stage: Theatre du Chatelet
Tonight’s grand ceremony unfolds in the opulent setting of Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, commencing at 8:45 p.m. CET. The winners are expected to be revealed just over an hour later, in an event that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Before the crowning moments, the rankings of the players who narrowly missed the podium will be announced at 5:15 p.m. CET.
Lionel Messi: The Favorite for an Eighth Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi’s journey to a historic eighth Ballon d’Or hinges on his remarkable performances during the 2022/23 European season, with the World Cup heroics adding to his claim. The spotlight shines on him as we await the verdict, which is likely to be a testament to his enduring brilliance on the football field.
Conclusion
Join us as we bring you live coverage of the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards, where history may be rewritten, records shattered, and new stars born. Football aficionados, brace yourselves for a night of celebration, surprises, and intense competition.
Schedule of the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
- Red Carpet Arrivals: 7 p.m. local time
- Ceremony Start: 8:30 p.m. local time
- Estimated Finish: 10:30 p.m. local time
Don’t miss the action as it unfolds on this thrilling evening, and let’s find out who will be crowned the kings and queens of football in 2023.
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