Let’s go again. Who will win the 2023 Ballon d’Or?

It’s less than a week since the 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony took place in Paris, where Karim Benzema, who was undoubtedly the best footballer of the past year, deservedly and rightfully took home the trophy. Who will win this award next year?

On Monday, we witnessed the first ever edition where the Ballon d’Or was awarded on a season basis, not on a calendar year basis as has been the case until now. That’s why the award was handed out in October, rather than waiting for the upcoming World Cup.

This, as well as the whole start of the season from August onwards, will be reflected in the voting next year. So who is doing the best so far?

Erling Haaland

He flew into the Premier League like a demon. He’s netted 20 goals in his first 14 games for Manchester City and it looks like scoring goals is the easiest thing in the world for him. If he continues the trend he has set, at least a top three finish shouldn’t pass him by in a year’s time.

Haaland’s big deficit, however, is that Norway won’t be at the World Cup. The top championships often have a big head, practically mainly due to Italy’s win at the EURU last year Jorginho got third place.

Lionel Messi

While in his first year at PSG, Messi had probably the worst season of his career and didn’t even make it into the Top 30 players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, in his second year in France, he’s made a comeback.

In his first 14 games, he scored 8 goals and 8 assists and once again resembles the Messi who trampled all opponents in Barcelona. Moreover, Argentina is one of the favourites for the World Cup in Qatar and if Messi leads his country to the trophy as captain, not only will he become immortal at home, his stock would skyrocket in the Ballon d’Or poll.

Neymar

The Brazilian footballer is having an amazing start to the new season. He has already amassed a 10+9 record in 15 games and is the star of PSG. However, consistency is often a problem with Neymar. If he maintains consistently good performances throughout the season, he may finally be getting closer to what he came to Paris for in the first place.

As with Messi, the championship in Qatar may help him to do so. Brazil has an incredibly loaded team and is probably the biggest favourite to win the gold medal. If Neymar leads the Canaries to the final as captain, he will lay the foundation for his first Ballon d’Or.

Vinícius Junior

His time has come. Vinícius’ strike partner Karim Benzema is already cherishing his Ballon d’Or at home, now it’s time for the young Brazilian to get closer to the most valuable individual trophy.

He’s had a great start to the season, racking up 7 goals and 2 assists, but more importantly, he’s a key player for Real, he’s in virtually all the offensive action and there’s constant danger across his side.

If he does well in the championship with Brazil and achieves success again with Real Madrid, he will surely improve enough on the eighth place from last season.

Source: France Football