In 2023, Lionel Messi achieved his eighth Ballon d’Or win, setting a record. This award was given to the legendary striker in recognition of his unforgettable year, which was crowned by his last World Cup victory with Argentina. Erling Haaland came in second place but was unable to obtain the award for the first time in his career, despite winning the treble with Manchester City.
According to information received from the Spanish newspaper Marca, Messi is currently playing in the American Football League with Inter Miami at the age of 37 years, and it seems unlikely that he will win it again. Therefore, the Ballon d’Or is now available for anyone to win for the first time in years.
The newspaper added that Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior lost his chances of winning the award after his disappointing performance with the Brazilian national team in the Copa America and Brazil’s premature exit from the next round of the tournament.
The newspaper pointed out that there is a surprising player who has become the top candidate for the award: Rodri, the star of the Spanish national team and Manchester City. Many analysts and critics have nominated Rodri to be crowned with the award if Spain wins the Euro.
The newspaper continued, but despite that, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham remains the most likely candidate to win the award if he can secure the Euro title for his country. Otherwise, Vinicius may return again to become the favorite candidate to win the award.
Here is the latest ranking:
1. Jude Bellingham
2. Rodri
3. Vinicius Junior
4. Kylian Mbappe
5. Harry Kane
6. Toni Kroos
7. Phil Foden
8. Florian Wirtz
9. Dani Carvajal
10. Lautaro Martinez
