The Ballon d’or 2023 ceremony is now in the history books, with more history being made as the awards were officially handed out. Alongside a plethora of football icons, tennis legend Novak Djokovic was present, too and awarded Aitana Bonmati of Spain and Barcelona with the Ballon d’or Feminin while Lionel Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award.
Here are all the winners from the star-studded night in France.
Ballon d’or 2023 winner: Lionel Messi
Scoring 42 goals and providing 26 assists across all competitions for club and country while winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ligue 1 title and Trophee des Champions, Lionel Messi topped the voting poll to win his eighth Ballon d’Or award.
The Argentine superstar was presented with the award by David Beckham, who owns his current club, Inter Miami. Moreover, he became the second oldest player to win the award in its history, and the first to win it while contracted to a non-European club.
Ballon d’or Feminin 2023: Aitana Bonmati
The Barcelona and Spain star claimed the award for her inspiring performances, with Sam Kerr of Chelsea and Australia finishing second.
It is a third straight award for Barcelona and Spain, after Alexia Putellas’ back-to-back awards in the last two years. Bonmati led her side to the Women’s World Cup this year, and was the pick of the lot for her achievements for club and country.
Gerd Muller Award 2023: Erling Haaland
After 52 goals and nine assists across all competitions, breaking the Premier League goalscoring record and winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup aged 22, Erling Haaland has won the Gerd Muller Award for the best striker of the year.
The Norwegian was favoured by many to win the Ballon d’or 2023 award, but was second in the rankings behind Messi.
Kopa Trophy 2023: Jude Bellingham
After spearheading Dortmund to a title challenge in 2022/23 and scoring 13 goals in his 13 opening games as a Madridista, Jude Bellingham has won the 2023 Kopa Trophy for being the best young player this past year.
The 20-year-old is also set to win the Golden Boy Award this year and it won’t be long before he finishes top 3 in the Ballon d’or rankings, having earned an 18th place finish this time around.
Socrates Award 2023: Vinicius Jr
Recognised for his fight against racism, Vinicius Jr has won the Socrates Award for his commitment to changing the landscape of the sport for a better tomorrow. The Real Madrid winger has been very vocal about his desire to eliminate racism from the sport, and has been fighting a tough battle against crowds in Spain and abroad to do away with such abuse.
Yachine Trophy 2023: Emiliano Martinez
After helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, Emiliano Martinez has been awarded the Yachine Trophy. The Argentine also routinely puts in a remarkable performance for Aston Villa, and finishes ahead of Yassine Bono of Morocco and Ederson of Manchester City and Brazil in the rankings.
Clubs of the Year 2023: Manchester City (M), Barcelona (F)
Manchester City have won the club of the year award for their treble winning season in men’s football this year. On the other hand, Barcelona Femeni have claimed the women’s award for winning the Women’s Champions League after a dramatic comeback and also winning the LaLiga Femeni title in emphatic fashion.
