Who Will Secure the Ballon d’Or 2023? A Closer Look

The Ballon d’Or is always big deal topic among sports fans and punters, and the upcoming 2023 edition has a unique feel to it. Historically, the prestigious award has been a two-horse race, mainly featuring football heroes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. This duo held a seemingly unbreakable grip on the title between 2008 and 2021, with only Luka Modric managing to disrupt their reign in 2018. However, things changed again when Karim Benzema sealed the honour last year, marking the first winner for France since the iconic Zinedine Zidane. As the dynamics shift, this year might bring us a first-ever winner from the MLS. While Ronaldo’s chances appear slim, Messi’s recent World Cup triumph catapults him into contention, and the Stakers team is on call to unpick the details.

Key Takeaways:

• The end of the Messi-Ronaldo era sees a fresh wave of contenders.
• Lionel Messi’s recent World Cup victory places him in a prime position for an eighth title.
• Erling Haaland’s breakout season with Manchester City positions him as a strong competitor.

Men’s Contenders

1. Lionel Messi: A name synonymous with football excellence, Messi has the chance to enhance his Ballon d’Or tally. Despite the European shortcomings of PSG, Messi’s unparalleled contribution to Argentina’s World Cup victory is undeniable. After receicving the Golden Ball for a second time, his move to the MLS signals an interesting turn in his career. 2023 might just be another year where Messi stands atop the podium one more time.
2. Erling Haaland: Scoring an impressive 52 goals in 53 matches and aiding Manchester City in securing three major titles, Haaland has undeniably made a mark. He has the potential to be the first Premier League star since Ronaldo to capture the Ballon d’Or. While his scoring prowess remains unmatched, Manchester City boasted several stars like De Bruyne and Rodri. Yet, Haaland’s striking difference in the team’s dynamics might edge him closer to the award.
3. Dark Horses: While Messi and Haaland lead the pack, football sensations like Vinicius Junior, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe, and Rodri might surprise everyone.

Women’s Contenders

Barcelona’s midfield maestro, Bonmati, is a strong contender, especially after her teammate Putellas’ absence due to injury. Having sealed the Golden Ball while aiding Spain in securing their maiden World Cup, she’s well on her way to football glory. However, she faces competition from Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, who enjoyed a 29-goal season, and England’s Georgia Stanway, pivotal in England’s World Cup journey and a key player for Bayern Munich.

Other Talking Points

In Retrospect: A New Era Beckons

The Ballon d’Or 2023 is up for grabs, with legends and emerging stars eyeing the prize. While Messi’s enduring legacy continues to cast a shadow, Haaland’s meteoric rise offers a glimpse into football’s evolving future. Similarly, as women’s football gains more limelight, stars like Bonmati, Kerr, and Stanway redefine excellence. As the countdown begins, the UK bookmaking world waits to see who emerges victorious in the football world’s Oscar night.