Football’s most prestigious award, the Ballon d’Or, will be bestowed upon one of the game’s biggest names again in 2023 at a glitzy ceremony later this year, and a certain Argentinean icon is already odds-on favourite to land the gong.
Karim Benzema was awarded the Ballon D’Or in 2022 following his incredible Champions League-winning exploits with Spanish giants Real Madrid, indeed, a Los Blancos star has won six of the last nine awards all told.
However, in 2023, the French striker is considered a rank outsider for the accolade with a clutch of global superstars dominating the ante-post markets ahead of 35-year-old.
Ahead of the showpiece occasion, we’ve compiled some need-to-know information about the Ballon d’Or 2023 including key dates, voting information and the latest betting odds from the markets.
Contents
When is Ballon d'Or 2023?
The Ballon d’Or 2023 ceremony will take place on October 30 and as an event organised by French Football, the function will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
As per the traditions, the Ballon d’Or takes into account players’ performances across the entire previous season from August to July instead of the calendar year.
The shortlist of this year’s nominees for the award will be confirmed and released on September 6 with the ceremony itself pencilled in for a little over a month after that.
Ballon d’Or 2023: How does the voting system work?
180 journalists from around the world are nominated to cast votes for the men’s Ballon D’Or award and each of those reporters represents a different nation.
As part of their responsibilities, the journalists are asked to rank their top five players from the award’s 30-man shortlist. A player ranked first on a journalist’s is awarded five points while the second gets four and so on down the list.
After a final tally of points, the player with the most lands the award for 2023. If there is a tie, the player who receives the most first-place votes will be declared the winner.
The competition’s instructions inform the journalists to make their decisions based on a player’s individual performances with the success of their respective teams considered a secondary factor.
Favourites to win the 2034 Ballon d'Or
Lionel Messi – 1/3
Lionel Messi has already pocketed more Ballon d’Or awards than any other player in the history of the game, though the legendary Argentinean is the overwhelming favourite to pick up the eighth trophy of his career in 2023.
The 36-year-old enjoyed a hugely productive campaign with PSG in France, though his achievements with Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar eclipsed anything he did at club level by some distance.
Named Player of the Tournament for his seven goals and three assists, Messi captained Argentina to their first World Cup since 1986.
Erling Haaland – 9/4
Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland spearheaded the attack for treble winners Manchester City in 2023/23, netting an insane 53 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions for the all-conquering Citizens.
In terms of odds, Haaland offers the most threat to Messi’s crown, though the 22-year-old won’t expect to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of his counterpart. Expect Haaland to be a protagonist at the awards for the next decade.
Kevin De Bruyne – 50/1
Belgian schemer Kevin De Bruyne was an integral cog in Pep Guardiola’s winning machine at Man City last season and the creative midfielder lodged a staggering 16 assists and seven goals in 28 Premier League starts alongside another eight goal contributions in the Champions League.
De Bruyne finished third in the reckoning for the 2022 Ballon d’Or and he could match that achievement in 2023.
Kylian Mbappe – 50/1
Kylian Mbappe said he was “optimistic” about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or in 2023 and it’s easier to forgive his over-confidence after another stellar campaign. The 24-year-old fired PSG to another Ligue title with 29 goals in 32 starts in the division, while his exploits for beaten finalists France at the World Cup were also monumental.
Mbappe scored a whopping eight goals for Les Blues in Qatar, including a sensational hattrick in the final itself, becoming just the second-ever player to do so in the tournament.
Vinicius Junior – 80/1
Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior is priced as long as 80/1 to win the Ballon d’Or this year, though his inclusion in the reckoning highlights just how potent a force the Real Madrid forward has become. Vini Jr’s displays in the Champions League, where he scored seven and made five goals in 11 starts were particularly eye-catching.
The 22-year-old also provided 19 goals contributions in 33 La Liga appearances for Los Blancos and the South American starlet was awarded the club’s Mahou Five Star Player honour following his impact.
