Lionel Messi, Aitana Bonmati wins ballon d’Or 2023 award: The 2023 edition of Ballon d’Or award ceremony recently concluded in a glittering evening in Paris, France on Monday. The Argentina star captain Lionel Messi was adjudged as the Men’s ballon d’or award (Golden Ball Award) 2023 for the record eighth time. The 36-year-old Inter Miami player beat the UEFA Player of the Year winner Erling Haaland from Norway to win the prestigious prize. Erling Haaland wins the “Gerd Muller Trophy” after becoming the highest scorer in Europe last season.
While the Barcelona F.C and Spain Midfielder Aitana Bonmati was awarded the Women’s ballon d’or award 2023 for the first time in her career following World Cup success with Spain last year.
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Lionel Messi, Aitana Bonmati wins ballon d’Or 2023 award: Other Awardees
| Award | Winner |
| Ballon d’or Award (Men) | Lionel Messi (Argentina) |
| Ballon d’or Award (Women) | Aitana Bonmati (Spain) |
| Gerd Muller Award | Erling Haaland (Norway) |
| Kopa Award | Jude Bellingham (England) |
| Yachine Award (for best male goalkeeper) | Emiliano Martinez (Argentina) |
| Socrates Award | Vinicious Junior (Brazil) |
| Women’s Club of the Year Award | F.C Barcelona Femeni |
| Men’s Club of the Year Award | Manchester City |
Important Points
- This was the 67th edition of the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on Monday to honour the best footballers around the world over the last year.
- Football stars from around the world gathered to witness the crowing of the best player in the world.
- Lionel Messi bagged the Men’s ballon d’or award for record eighth time beating the Norway’s UEFA Player of the Year winner Erling Haaland by a close margin.
- Messi, who won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 and claimed four consecutive times untill 2012, is now three Ballon d’Or clear of rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
- The Portugal player Christiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr was not shorlisted for the first time since 2003.
- Messi’s teammate and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Yachine award for his brilliant save at a Premier League 2022-2023 season.
- Spain’s midfielder Aitana Bonmati wins the Women’s Ballon d’Or award for the first time in his career for winning the World Cup with Spain last year. Recently she was named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year.
- Lionel Messi, Aitana Bonmati wins ballon d’Or 2023 award.