The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual award in the world of football. It is awarded by France Football magazine and is given to the best European player in a season.
The winner of the Ballon d'Or is chosen on the basis of a combination of votes by a panel of international journalists, national team captains and coaches.
Many, like the likes of Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema has all won the prestigious award but five time winner, Cristiano Ronaldo is currently out of this year's nominees.
Now, let's take a look at the top 5 players, who could win the 2023 Ballon d'Or award.
5. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior, the breakout player of the 2021-22 season in Europe, has been an absolute revelation this term. The Brazil international has been in sublime form for club and country on the ongoing campaign.
He has been a standout performer for Real Madrid and his contributions have played a crucial role in their Champions League charge this season.
4. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
The France striker might have not scored many goals as he did last year but his goal involvement for Madrid this term has been mouthwatering for a 34-year-old.
Benzema has done a stellar job for Real Madrid this season and has been a menacing presence up top for them. He has been hardful to deal with for defenders thanks to his sharp movement and clinical finishing.
3. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-German)
Kylian Mbappe is tipped to win multiple Ballon d'Or awards in the future. Despite his sensational achievements this season, including scoring a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina at Qatar.
He might not win the Ballon d'Or this year due to PSG's early Champions League exit. But Mbappe's outputs in front of goal remains spectacular.
In 34 appearances across all competitions for PSG so far this season, the 24-year-old has scored 31 goals and provided eight assists.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland's phenomenal goalscoring form definitely gives Manchester City an edge in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Norwegian striker looks unstoppable and unpredictable in front of goal. And he already has six hat-tricks in his debut campaign for Man City.
However, Haaland's lack of achievements on the international level could, cost him dearly in the race this year's Ballon d'Or race.
1. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-German)
Failing to take PSG past the Champions League Round of 16 against Bayern Munich was a major disappointment for Lionel Messi.
The Argentine might have already won the 2022 World Cup but he is gradually losing his number one spot to Erling Haaland.
In 33 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign, the 35-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided 17 assists. And he is likely to add the Ligue 1 title to his trophy collection for this season.
Content created and supplied by: Kelvin727 (via Opera News )
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