30 players have been named on the list of nominations for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, but only one will be presented with the iconic trophy and considered the best player in the world this year.
The last 12 months have seen players excel at club and international level, with the 2022 World Cup played in the middle of the usual domestic and European seasons. The long-list recognises both those who did well in Qatar and others who went above and beyond for their club sides.
Lionel Messi is hoping to extend his own number of record wins, in with a chance of an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or thanks to his contribution to Argentina’s World Cup win.
But the 36-year-old will face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne for their leading roles in a 2022/23 treble. Kylian Mbappe had another outstanding individual year, while Jude Bellingham further cemented his status as one of the best there is. Nicolo Barella, Laautaro Martinez and Andre Onana are included for their part in Inter’s run to the Champions League, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard representing Arsenal.
Karim Benzema is the current holder following his win in 2022 and is nominated here again. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez is the only player on the list who won both the Champions League and World Cup during the 2022/23 season.
It is the first time since 2003 that Cristiano Ronaldo, who quit Manchester United in November and was the first high profile player to join the Saudi Pro League revolution, has not been nominated.
The Ballon d’Or trophy will be awarded to the world’s best player on 30 October at an award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
