The Ballon d’Or, football’s most coveted individual award, is once again the center of attention as the world anticipates who will be crowned the best player of the year. Three standout players have emerged as the frontrunners: Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe. Each has had a year to remember, showcasing their unparalleled talent and making significant contributions to their respective teams.
Presenting the list of the Ballon d’Or 2023 finalists, a compilation that celebrates the pinnacle of footballing talent from around the globe. While the spotlight predominantly shines on the trio of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland, given their exceptional performances and achievements this year, it’s essential to remember Julian Alvarez achieved remarkable feats this year, clinching the World Cup alongside Messi for Argentina and securing a treble with Manchester City. His pivotal role in the semifinal against Croatia cannot be overlooked: he netted two goals and earned a penalty that Messi masterfully put away, leading Argentina to a decisive 3:0 victory and propelling them into the final. Interestingly, his compatriot from Argentina, Lautaro Martinez, stood on the opposite side during the final, just a whisker away from victory.
2023 Ballon d’Or finalists:
| Player | Current Club | National Team |
| Julian Alvarez | Man City | Argentina |
| Nicolo Barella | Inter Milan | Italy |
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | England |
| Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad | France |
| Yassine Bounou | Al-Hilal | Morocco |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Man City | Belgium |
| Ruben Dias | Man City | Portugal |
| Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid | France |
| Ilkay Gündoğan | Barcelona | Germany |
| Josko Gvardiol | Man City | Croatia |
| Erling Haaland | Man City | Norway |
| Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | England |
| Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Napoli | Georgia |
| Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona | Poland |
| Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa | Argentina |
| Lautaro Martinez | Inter Milan | Argentina |
| Kylian Mbappé | PSG | France |
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | Argentina |
| Kim Min-Jae | Bayern Munich | South Korea |
| Luka Modric | Real Madrid | Croatia |
| Randal Kolo Muani | PSG | France |
| Jamal Musiala | Bayern Munich | Germany |
| Martin Ødegaard | Arsenal | Norway |
| Andre Onana | Man United | Cameroon |
| Victor Osimhen | Napoli | Nigeria |
| Rodri | Man City | Spain |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | England |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt |
| Bernardo Silva | Man City | Portugal |
| Vinicius Jr. | Real Madrid | Brazil |
Ballon d’Or Contender: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s 2022 was nothing short of legendary. Leading Argentina to World Cup glory, Messi’s brilliance shone in every match. His assist to Molina against the Netherlands in the quarterfinal showcased his vision and precision. Against Croatia in the semifinal, Messi combined with Julian Alvarez, setting up Alvarez for a goal. The World Cup final against France was the pinnacle of his achievements. Messi scored a crucial penalty and a dramatic goal in stoppage time, ensuring Argentina’s victory in a thrilling 3-3 draw that ended 4:2 in favor of Argentina after a penalty shootout. With such performances, Messi has once again solidified his claim for the Ballon d’Or.
Read about Messi jersey evolution through the years, from Rosario to Miami.
Ballon d’Or Contender: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe, the French sensation, led his nation to the World Cup final with remarkable flair. His historical hat-trick in the final will be remembered for generations. Not only did he play a pivotal role in getting France to the final, but he also emerged as the top scorer of the event. Such a performance in a World Cup final, combined with his overall contributions throughout the tournament, makes Mbappe a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.
“Relive the 2022 World Cup final:
Ballon d’Or Contender: Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland’s meteoric rise in the footballing world continues to astonish. Winning a treble with Manchester City and the European Super Cup, Haaland’s prowess in front of the goal is unmatched. This season, he has already netted an astonishing 52 goals. His goal-scoring ability, combined with his contributions in leading Manchester City to multiple titles, makes Haaland a formidable contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Watch every Erling Haaland Champions League goal on the road to Istanbul Final:
Other Potential Ballon d’Or Winners
While Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland are the standout contenders, the Ballon d’Or race has other notable mentions. Players like Jude Bellingham, Mohamed Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne have had significant impacts for their respective teams. Their consistent performances throughout the year cannot be overlooked, and they remain dark horses in the Ballon d’Or race. For the first time in 19 years, Ronaldo is not among the nominees.
Read about Ronaldo jersey evolution or Ronaldo net worth.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Lionel Messi stands out as the potential winner of the Ballon d’Or this year. His leadership while donning the Argentina jersey led the team to World Cup triumph, combined with his individual brilliance in crucial matches, gives him the edge. While both Mbappe and Haaland have had outstanding years, Messi’s contributions on the international stage, especially in high-pressure situations, make him the most deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or 2023.