Overview
Live updates from the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony highlight Lionel Messi’s record eighth win and Aitana Bonmati’s Ballon d'Or Féminin, alongside key individual and team awards.
Major Awards
- Messi wins men’s Ballon d’Or, presented by David Beckham to a standing ovation.
- Bonmati wins Ballon d'Or FĂ©minin, presented by Novak Djokovic.
- Jude Bellingham wins Kopa Trophy (best U21) for 2022–23 season at Dortmund.
- Vinicius Junior wins Socrates Award for humanitarian work and anti-racism fight.
- Emiliano Martinez wins Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper).
- Erling Haaland wins Gerd MĂĽller Trophy (top goalscorer, 56 goals).
- Barcelona named Best Women’s Team; Manchester City named Best Men’s Team.
Structured Summary of Winners
| Award | Winner | Key Details |
|---|
| Ballon d'Or (Men) | Lionel Messi | Record eighth win; Inter Miami/Argentina; presented by David Beckham |
| Ballon d'Or FĂ©minin | Aitana Bonmati | Barcelona/Spain; league and Champions League; World Cup winner |
| Kopa Trophy | Jude Bellingham | Best U21; recognized for 2022–23 at Borussia Dortmund |
| Socrates Award | Vinicius Junior | Vini Jr Institute; increasing annual investment; anti-racism advocacy |
| Yashin Trophy | Emiliano Martinez | Best goalkeeper; presented by his father |
| Gerd Müller Trophy | Erling Haaland | 56 goals for club and country in 2022–23 |
| Best Women’s Team | Barcelona | Dominant season; +108 league goal difference (118 for, 10 against) |
| Best Men’s Team | Manchester City | Five players in Ballon d'Or top 10 noted |
Men’s Ballon d’Or Rankings (5–10)
- 5: Rodri (Manchester City & Spain)
- 6: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid & Brazil)
- 7: Julian Alvarez (Manchester City & Argentina)
- 8: Victor Osimhen (Napoli & Nigeria)
- 9: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City & Portugal)
- 10: Luka Modric (Real Madrid & Croatia)
Messi’s World Cup Impact
- Won Golden Ball (tournament MVP).
- First ever to score in group, last 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final.
- Led tournament in shots (32), shots on target (18), open-play chances created (17), fouls won (22).
- Seven goals and three assists across seven matches; among six with 10+ goal involvements in a single World Cup.
Ceremony Moments
- Bonmati’s message: athletes have responsibility on and off pitch; call for a better, equal world.
- Haaland prompted to pick next-goal celebration; sidestepped choice.
- Frosty reaction in room when Martinez discussed his World Cup final save; Drogba called for respect.
- Music interlude by Rema; brief interaction with front-row players.
- Bellingham-Musiala friendship highlighted via video message and remarks.
Opinions and Reactions
- Reader view: Messi likely to win; Haaland “deserves” Ballon d’Or for record, treble, and goal rate.
- Anticipation built as final four named: Mbappé, Messi, De Bruyne, Haaland.
Decisions
- Awards confirmed: Messi and Bonmati as Ballon d'Or winners; Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Martinez, Haaland, Barcelona, and Manchester City as category winners.