Football fans around the world are eagerly asking about the Ballon d’Or Rankings 2012 – Top 3 Players, presented by the French magazine France Football.
The 2023 edition of the Ballon d’Or was one of the fiercest competitions in recent years, as football giants like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé were all at the peak of their form.
With major trophies, dazzling goals, and consistent performances at both club and international levels, the top contenders were neck-and-neck in the race.
In the end, the votes of national team captains, journalists, and coaches decided who would stand at the very top.
Who Was Crowned Ballon d’Or 2023?
The 2023 Ballon d’Or was awarded to Lionel Messi, who lifted the prestigious trophy for the eighth time in his career — an unprecedented record in football history.
Upon receiving the award, he said:”I never imagined I would have the kind of career I’ve had”.
He continued: Everything I’ve achieved, the fortune of playing for the best team in the world — the best team in history.
Winning these individual trophies is special. To lift the Copa America and then the World Cup, to actually accomplish that, is truly amazing.
And he also added” Becoming world champion was incredible. But the truth is, I’ve never really gotten used to receiving awards or standing on stage like this. Over time, since winning it for the first time in 2009, I’ve grown a little more comfortable with it. Still, I believe today will be the last time I win it, so I feel more at peace and will enjoy it in a different way”.
He concluded: I’m proud of the career I’ve had. Football has been my passion all my life, and soon I’ll enjoy it from the other side.”
Messi: Ballon d’Or Winner 2023 — Why He Deserved It
Messi’s deserving of the Ballon d’Or was generally unquestionable. He is one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, and every time the award comes around, his name belongs in the conversation. His triumph in 2023 was the result of a combination of individual brilliance and historic achievements:
1. World Cup Glory in Qatar
Messi finally won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, the crowning achievement of his legendary career. At 36, he silenced the only remaining criticism — the lack of a major international title — by delivering the world’s biggest trophy for his country. He scored 7 goals, provided 3 assists, and was named Best Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball). This dual success — both team and individual — was seen as the ultimate proof of his greatness.
2. Consistency at Club Level
With Paris Saint-Germain, Messi had a strong second season, answering critics after a modest first year. He scored 16 goals and provided 16 assists in Ligue 1, helping PSG retain the domestic title and demonstrating his enduring influence in Europe before moving to Inter Miami.
3. Historic Narrative
For many voters, Messi’s World Cup triumph represented the final jewel in his crown — the defining moment that set him apart in football history, beyond comparison to any of his contemporaries.
Comparison with Erling Haaland
- Messi’s biggest challenger was Erling Haaland, who enjoyed a record-breaking debut season at Manchester City. The Norwegian striker scored over 50 goals, shattered the Premier League single-season scoring record, and helped City win the historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League).
Despite Haaland’s staggering numbers, Messi’s World Cup heroics carried unmatched symbolic weight. The voters leaned toward the historic significance of Messi’s achievement rather than pure statistics, giving him the edge in the final decision.
Read also: Ballon d’Or Rankings 2022: Top 10 Players
Ballon d’Or Rankings 2023: Top 10 Players
Below is a table showing the top 10 players in the official 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, with their clubs and approximate vote shares.
| Order | Player | Club | Nationality | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | Argentina | 462 |
| 2 | Erling Haaland | Man City | Norway | 357 |
| 3 | Kylian Mbappe | PSG | France | 270 |
| 4 | Kevin de Bruyne | Man City | Belgium | 100 |
| 5 | Rodri | Man City | Spain | 57 |
| 6 | Vinicius Jr | Real Madrid | Brazil | 49 |
| 7 | Julian Alvarez | Man City | Argentina | 28 |
| 8. | Victor Osimhen | Napoli | Nigeria | 24 |
| 9. | Bernardo Silva | Man City | Portugal | 20 |
| 10 | Luka Modric | Real Madrid | Croatia | 19 |
Don’t miss: Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed
Additional Notes on the 2023 Ballon d’Or
- Messi’s 8th Win: He extended his dominance as the most decorated Ballon d’Or winner in history, with no other player close to his tally.
- The World Cup Effect: The timing of the 2022 World Cup within the season made it decisive in shaping votes, just as it has in past editions.
- Inter Miami Chapter: Messi became the first active Major League Soccer (MLS) player to win the Ballon d’Or, marking a milestone for football in the United States.
- Kylian Mbappé finished third with 270 points, despite scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup final, as Paris Saint-Germain’s failure in major competitions affected his chances.
- Haaland’s Future: Many analysts suggested Haaland was unlucky — in almost any other year his numbers would have secured him the Ballon d’Or. His second-place finish, however, confirmed his rise as the heir to the Messi-Ronaldo era.
- End of an Era: While Messi still shone, the award also symbolized a passing of the torch toward a new generation led by Haaland, Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr.
