Football maestro Lionel Messi, is in the race for an eighth Ballon d’Or, a feat that would extend his record as the most decorated player in history.
News About Nigeria gathered that this year, Messi will face stiff competition from some of the world’s top talents, including former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen, and Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland.
More interestingly, Messi hopes to win this year’s Ballon d’Or while playing for a non-European club, a precedent yet to be set in the history of the game.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for the 36-year-old, who wasn’t even among the initial 30-man shortlist last year.
Messi’s showcased his brilliance once more in 2022, when he led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last winter, scoring a total of seven goals during the tournament.
This performance undoubtedly boosted his chances of securing another Ballon d’Or award.
However, Messi faces strong competition from other global football stars. England’s young talents, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, are among the contenders for the award.
Harry Kane, who made a high-profile move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, is another English player on the shortlist.
Manchester City boasts a significant presence, with no less than seven of their players making the cut. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Julian Alvarez, Rodri, and Erling Haaland are all in contention.
Meanwhile, former City captain Ilkay Gundogan, now with Barcelona, has also received a nomination.
Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah, earned a place on the list, as did Manchester United’s new goalkeeper, Andre Onana. Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, surprisingly received a nomination, alongside his compatriot Messi, for their vital roles in Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
Notably absent from the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes, who many believed deserved a spot, baring his performance in the last World Cup.
This marks the first time since 2003 that Ronaldo has not been nominated.
Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, remains a contender, as does Barcelona’s prolific striker, Robert Lewandowski.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or race promises to be a thrilling competition, showcasing the extraordinary talent and diversity of the world’s top footballers. Messi’s bid to secure his eighth Ballon d’Or adds an intriguing narrative to an already exciting contest.
