Lionel Messi has clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or title, winning the men’s award at the 2023 ceremony following his outstanding season for Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina. 

Before moving to Inter Miami in the summer, the 36-year-old masterminded Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, scoring twice during the match before scoring again during a penalty shoot-out, to help his team defeat 2018 winners France. 

He also scored 32 goals in 55 league games for PSG, helping the side clinch the Ligue 1 title. 

David Beckham, the co-owner of his current club, handed him the award at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, to a standing ovation from members of the crowd. 

‘It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,’ says Messi. ‘To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.’

Didier Drogba, who was leading the ceremony, asked if this Ballon d’Or was more special, considering it came from winning the 2022 World Cup, to which the 36-year-old replied: ‘They’re all special.’

He added: ‘I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, the fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history.

‘To win the Copa America and to get the World Cup after all those difficult moments in the national teams,’ continues Messi.’

Beckham said: ‘It’s very special to say he’s a Miami player and he’s in our city. He’ll celebrate this with his team-mates and his family in his way. 

‘We’ll do our best to celebrate it in the Miami way. I’m sure we can do a good party.’ 

He edged out some tough competition with Erling Haaland coming in second, Kylian Mbappe coming in third and Kevin De Bruyne ranking fourth.  

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There were six Man City players included in the rankings with four of them, Haalan, Rodri (5th), Julien Alvarez (7th) Bernardo Silva (9th) making the top ten. 

It was a big night for Man City, with the club also picking up the best team award, while Haaland claimed the Gerd Müller Trophy for the best striker, after his stunning 52-goal season, helping City win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. 

Former Chelsea star Drogba got the show underway with players from both the men’s and women’s game arriving alongside some huge names in the world of sport, from David Beckham to even Novak Djokovic. 

Vinicius Jr claimed sixth place behind Rodri in the top-10 and was also presented with the Socrates award earlier in the night, in recognition of the work he has done away from the football pitch in fighting against racism. 

Napoli Star Victor Osimhen, who scored a whopping 31 goals in 39 games for the Serie A outfit, placed eighth in the rankings, one spot ahead of Bernardo Silva. 

Real Madrid’s Luka Modric claimed the 10th spot in the rankings, with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah finishing 11th, narrowly missing out on the top-ten despite enjoying a stand-out 2022-23 season for Liverpool, scoring 30 goals in 51 games.  

Several big names from the Premier League were also named in the top-30 players, with Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard placing at 24th and 28th in the standings respectively, while Manchester United’s Andre Onana, following on from his excellent performance against Man City on Sunday ranked 23rd. 

Jude Bellingham, who masterminded Real Madrid’s 2-1 El Clasico win on Saturday, his first appearance in the derby, placed 18th in the standings, while also claiming the Kopa trophy for the best young player. 

He also beat Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, who finished 19th in the standings, despite scoring 32 goals last season.  

More to follow…