In an exciting revelation, France Football magazine has unveiled the 30-player shortlist for the highly anticipated 2023 Ballon d'Or award, with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland taking the lead. This marks a remarkable return for Messi, who was absent from last year's nominations. If he secures this year's Ballon d'Or, it will be his eighth, placing him just behind Cristiano Ronaldo's record of five. Earlier this year, Messi also clinched the Best FIFA Men's Player award for the second time.
A notable absence from the list is Ronaldo, who, for the first time since 2003, didn't make the cut. The winner of the prestigious award will be unveiled at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30.
Messi's incredible journey in 2022 saw him guide Argentina to victory in the World Cup, a feat that had eluded him throughout his illustrious 21-year career. At the club level, Messi experienced a mix of highs and lows. While he faced challenges at Paris Saint-Germain, resulting in an early Champions League exit, he did help secure their 11th Ligue 1 title. Messi has since embarked on a new chapter, joining Inter Miami on a free transfer, where he has already made a significant impact, aiding them in winning the Leagues Cup and securing a spot in the U.S. Open Cup final.
Erling Haaland stands as Messi's formidable competition for the award. The Norwegian striker's remarkable record of 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions played a pivotal role in Manchester City's triumphant campaign in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
At just 23 years old, Haaland shattered the Premier League's single-season scoring record with an astounding 36 goals in his debut season in England. His outstanding performances earned him a string of individual accolades, including PFA Player of the Year, Premier League's Player of the Season, and Football Writers' Association's Men's Player of the Year.
This year's Ballon d'Or nominations showcase a strong representation from Manchester City and Argentina. Seven players from City, instrumental in their treble-winning season, including Haaland, have secured a spot on the list. Additionally, four Argentine players, including Messi, who played a crucial role in their World Cup triumph, are also in contention for the coveted award.
Here's the full list of men's Ballon d'Or nominees:
André Onana - Manchester United/Cameroon
Josko Gvardiol - Manchester City/Croatia
Karim Benzema - Al Ittihad
Jamal Musiala - Bayern Munich/Germany
Mohamed Salah - Liverpool/Egypt
Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid/England
Bukayo Saka - Arsenal/England
Randal Kolo Muani - Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City/Belgium
Bernardo Silva - Manchester City/Portugal
Emiliano Martínez - Aston Villa/Argentina
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - Napoli/Georgia
Rúben Dias - Manchester City/Portugal
Nicolo Barella - Inter Milan/Italy
Erling Haaland - Manchester City/Norway
Yassine Bounou - Al Hilal/Morocco
Martin Ødegaard - Arsenal/Norway
Julián Álvarez - Manchester City/Argentina
Ilkay Gündogan - Barcelona/Germany
Vinícius Júnior - Real Madrid/Brazil
Lionel Messi - Inter Miami/Argentina
Rodri - Manchester City/Spain
Lautaro Martínez - Inter Milan/Argentina
Antoine Griezmann - Atletico Madrid/France
Robert Lewandowski - Barcelona/Poland
Kylian Mbappé - Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kim Min-jae - Napoli/South Korea
Victor Osimhen - Napoli/Nigeria
Luka Modric - Real Madrid/Croatia
Harry Kane - Bayern Munich/England
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