2023 Ballon D'OR ; Messi wins record 8th as rising Bonmati picks first

Paris, 

Tuesday, 31 October, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

Argentine Foward Lionel messi might have just settled the GOAT debate to his favor after winning the 2023 Men's Ballon D'OR in an event held in Paris on Monday night.

The Inter Miami Foward was presented the golden prize by his clubs CEO David Beckham also earning a standing ovation to his honor.

Messi has now won a record 8 Ballon D'or awards making him the greatest in the game his eighth being highly contributed to his remarkable achievement in the 2022 FIFA world cup where he led his team Argentina to win its third trophy after beating France on penalty shoot out,Messi also won the golden ball in the tournament amongst having won the French league 1 fpr former club Paris Saint Germain. 

Messi has previously won the award in 2009,2010,2011, 2012,2015,2019 and 2021 with Karim Benzema winning the award in 2022. 

In his speech, Messi paid tribute to Argentina legend Diego Maradona while wishing him a happy birthday. 

“Today I wanted to mention Diego. There’s no better place to wish him happy birthday here around many people loving football, as he wanted”.

“Wherever you are, Diego… happy birthday . This goes also for you”.

Norwegian and Manchester city's attacker Erling Haaland came in second in the award having won the treble last season scoring a record 56 goals and 9 Assists in all competitions with Paris St Germain's and world cup Finalist Kylian Mbappe coming in third in the ranking.

Another Manchester city player Kevin De Bruyne sealed the four best in the men's Ballon D'OR rankings.

In the Women's awards, Barcelona and Spanish International Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon D'OR feminine beating other contenders Sam Kerr, Salma Puraluello and Swedish Fridolina Rolfo.

Bonmati helped Spain win its first Women's world cup also having won the women's champions league with FC Barcelona.

In Other awards, Real Madrid teenage sensation Jude Bellingham won the 2023 Kopa Trophy, Erling Haaland won the Gerd Muller award as the world's top striker with Real Madrid's foward Vinicius Junior winning the Socrates award for his humanitarian interventions including fight against racism and promotion equality in Education at his home country in Brazil.

Argentina's Goal Keeper Emiliano Martinez won thr Yachine trophy as the worlds best goalkeeper.

In the football clubs categories. Manchester city won back to back recognition as the world's best team with FC Barcelona Feminine winning the 2023 Women's best football club.