The Unexpected Did Not Happen - "Golden Ball" Award Presented to L. Messi for the Eighth Time

2023-10-31 08:30 © AFP

On Monday in Paris, it was revealed who became the best player in the world and received the prestigious "Golden Ball" award.

Before the exclusive ceremony, rumors had been circulating for some time that the laureate would once again be Argentine Lionel Messi.

The prize for the best young player (under 21) "Kopa trophy" was awarded to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.

As he took the stage, the Englishman said: "I wanted to thank everyone who helped me reach this point in my career - from Birmingham City to Dortmund, Madrid clubs, and the England national team. Most importantly, I am grateful to have my family members with me today - my mother and father. Thank you for the support, it really means a lot to me."

The "Socrates prize" for social work went to another Real Madrid player - forward Vinicius.

The best goalkeeper award "Yashin Trophy" was won by Argentine Emiliano Martinez.

The title of unbeatable women's team went to representatives of Barcelona, while the men's team that triumphed in the Champions League, Manchester City, were awarded.

The best forward award "Gerd Muller trophy" was given to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

The women's "Golden Ball" was presented to Barcelona's defender Aitana Bonmati.

In the Men's "Golden Ball" rankings, the 10th place went to Real Madrid defender Luka Modric, 9th place - Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, 8th place - Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Seventh in the voting was Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, sixth - Real Madrid forward Vinicius, fifth - Manchester City midfielder Rodri, fourth - Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, third - PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, second - Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.

The "Golden Ball" predictions were confirmed - the prestigious prize was awarded for the eighth time to Argentine national team leader Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Miami Inter club.

Mesdames, messieurs, the seven-time winner of the Ballon d'Or... please welcome Lionel Messi and his family! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/2tY22E6AAP

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

Kylian Mbappé is here! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/b29vi4TPWs

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

POV: you're invited to the Ballon d'Or Ceremony! 😍 #ballondor pic.twitter.com/QSfhKRg0sZ

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

2023 Men's Ballon d'Or ranking: 26 Jamal Musiala 27 Nicolo Barella 28 Randal Kolo Muani 28 Martin Ødegaard 30 Ruben Dias #ballondor pic.twitter.com/KG5pRpr9eZ

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

2023 Men's Ballon d'Or ranking: 16 Karim Benzema 17 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 18 Jude Bellingham 19 Harry Kane 20 Lautaro Martinez #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Jw6RCYPQ2a

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

2023 Men's Ballon d'Or ranking: 11 Mohamed Salah 12 Robert Lewandowski 13 Yassine Bounou 14 Ilkay Gündogan 15 Emiliano Martinez #ballondor pic.twitter.com/eyh8lx1KXW

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023