Reports suggest that Aitana Bonmati from Barcelona Femeni and the legendary Lionel Messi are poised to be announced as the 2023 Ballon d’Or winners at the upcoming ceremony in Paris on October 30.
Aitana is expected to succeed her teammate Alexia Putellas as the world’s best female player. She had a remarkable season, winning both the league and the Champions League with Barcelona and securing the World Cup with the Spanish national team. Bonmati has already been honored with the UEFA Player of the Year Award and is now on track to add another prestigious accolade to her collection.
For the men’s award, it appears that Messi will secure his eighth Golden Ball, surpassing Erling Haaland, following his role in leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar last year. Messi’s win will mark the first time a player from a club outside of Europe has claimed this renowned award, a result of his transfer to Inter Miami during the summer.