In Paris, Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time.
The Ballon d’Or for the best footballer of the past season goes to Lionel Messi. The 36-year-old Argentinean came out on top thanks to his World Cup victory over fellow nominee 23-year-old Erling Haaland.
Last year, Frenchman Karim Benzema was named the best footballer of the year after Real Madrid’s Champions League victory.
Before that, Lionel Messi had already won the Ballon d’Or seven times.
Aitana Bonmati wins the Women’s Ballon d’Or
And again a Spanish woman has won the Ballon d’Or. This year it is Aitana Bonmati, who plays for FC Barcelona and won the World Cup in Australia with the national team – which was then overshadowed by the Rubiales Kiss scandal.
The 25-year-old thanked her teammates, her coaches and her club.
Aitana Bonmatí: “I am very proud to receive the ballondor Even if it is an individual prize, it is a collective sport, so I thank my teammates, my coaches and Barça.”
“Thank you for betting on me when few believed in me.” ✨ pic.twitter.com/nzComGO7Dx
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 30, 2023
David Beckham as surprise guest in Paris
Surprise guest at the ceremony in Paris is David Beckham. The now 48-year-old former England international is now one of the owners of Inter Miami, the club where Lionel Messi now plays.
David Beckham! ballondor pic.twitter.com/JSnj3W0jfP
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
Vinicius Junior receives Socrates Award
: Vinicius Júnior wins the Socrates Award for fighting against racism and his hard work in education in Brazil. ✨
The Brazilian invested almost €4m until now for his Vini Jr. Institute – an education app for poor students. pic.twitter.com/gSdNu62dXh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 30, 2023
Brazilian Vinicius Junior is honored for his work with a Brazilian foundation. The 23-year-old Real Madrid player fights against racism and helps disadvantaged children.