Lionel Messi is still the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or.
“The world’s best soccer players are in the final stretch of the race for the Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded at the end of October,” global media outlet Goal.com reported on Monday (October 11). The World Cup is in the middle of the 2022-23 season, creating a unique situation. But those memories may fade somewhat when voting begins in August.”
It went on to list the top 20 favorites to win the Ballon d’Or. Organized by the French soccer magazine France Football, the Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best soccer player of the year. However, the rules have recently changed, with players being evaluated on a seasonal basis instead of an annual basis. Therefore, the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be based on the 2022-23 season.
As such, their performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be considered for this year’s Ballon d’Or. In addition, national league results and the UEFA Champions League (UCL) will be evaluated.
Goal.com took these factors into account to come up with their predictions, with Messi at the top of the list. “Messi has had a somewhat disappointing second half of the season, appearing to be denied his eighth career Ballon d’Or. However, he is still likely to win the Ballon d’Or after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.”
Goal.com also noted that Messi has 38 goals and 25 assists in all competitions in the 2022-23 season, a World Cup title, and the French Ligue 1 title. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or seven times, making him the most decorated player of all time.
A strong contender is runner-up Elling Holland. “Holland has broken numerous records this season,” Goal.com said. By the end of April, he could have been the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, but he scored just one goal in his final eight games of the season. Despite his contribution to City’s treble triumph, this seems to be a bit too little, too late to win the Ballon d’Or.” 메이저놀이터
According to the outlet, Holland has 53 goals and nine assists this season. He has also won the English Premier League (EPL), UCL, and FA Cup. Holland has yet to win a Ballon d’Or.
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Victor Osimhen, Rodri, Robert Lewandowski, and Julian Alvarez round out the top 10.
