In a surprising turn of events, Lionel Messi, who secured his eighth Ballon d’Or just last year, has been left off the list of nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the football world, as the 37-year-old Argentine legend, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), was expected by many to be among the contenders.
This marks only the second time in recent years that Messi has been omitted from the list, with the first being in 2022 before he went on to win the prestigious award following Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Messi’s Absence: A New Era in Football?
The omission of Lionel Messi from the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominees list is indicative of a shifting landscape in global football.
For over a decade, Messi has been synonymous with the award, having won it a record eight times. His absence this year signals the rise of new stars and the beginning of a new era in the beautiful game.
While Messi continues to perform at a high level with Inter Miami, leading them to a Leagues Cup victory and keeping them in contention for an MLS playoff spot, it appears that his move to the United States has influenced the decision not to include him among the nominees.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded by a jury of journalists from the top 100 countries in FIFA’s world ranking, traditionally honors players who have excelled at the highest levels of European football, which may have worked against Messi this year.
Vinicius Junior Among the Favorites for the 2023 Ballon d’Or
As Messi steps back, new names are stepping into the spotlight, with Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid emerging as one of the favorites for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
The Brazilian forward has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, helping them secure both LaLiga and Champions League titles.
Vinicius is one of six Madrid players to make the shortlist, reflecting the club’s dominance in recent years.
Alongside Vinicius Junior, other notable nominees include Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who had a record-breaking season in the Premier League, and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, who has continued to impress following his move from Tottenham Hotspur.
These players represent the new wave of talent poised to take over from the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the latter also absent from the nominees list this year.
Aitana Bonmati Leads the Charge in the Women’s Ballon d’Or
In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati is the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. Bonmati, who played a crucial role in Barcelona’s dominance in both domestic and European competitions, is aiming to retain the title she won last year.
She faces stiff competition from former winners Ada Hegerberg and Alexia Putellas, who are also among the nominees.
The women’s Ballon d’Or continues to grow in prestige, reflecting the increasing recognition of women’s football on the global stage.
With players like Bonmati leading the charge, the competition for this year’s award is expected to be fierce.
Ronwen Williams Makes History for Africa
This year’s Ballon d’Or nominations have also seen a historic moment for African football, with Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns becoming the first South African and African goalkeeper to be nominated for the prestigious award.
Williams’ nomination is a testament to his outstanding performances over the past year, both for his club and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
Williams has been a standout figure in African football, consistently delivering top performances in both domestic and international competitions.
His nomination for the Yacine Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, is a significant achievement not only for him personally but also for African football as a whole.
It highlights the continent’s growing influence in the global game and the increasing recognition of African talent on the world stage.
African Stars Shine in Ballon d’Or Nominations
In addition to Ronwen Williams, other African stars have been recognized in the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominations.
Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward who has impressed with his performances for Atalanta in Serie A, has been nominated for the Men’s Ballon d’Or.
Lookman’s inclusion reflects his rise as one of the most exciting attacking talents in European football.
In the Women’s Ballon d’Or category, Zambian star Barbra Banda and Malawian forward Tabitha Chawinga have both earned nominations. Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride, and Chawinga, who represents Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), have been key figures in their respective teams and have made significant contributions to the development of women’s football in Africa.
The nominations of Williams, Lookman, Banda, and Chawinga underscore the growing prominence of African players in global football. Their inclusion in the Ballon d’Or shortlist is a clear indication of the talent emerging from the continent and the impact these players are having on the world stage.
The Road to the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
The Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Paris on 28 October, is one of the most anticipated events in the football calendar. This year’s ceremony will be closely watched, not only because of the absence of Messi and Ronaldo but also due to the presence of new contenders who are poised to take center stage.
As the football world gears up for this prestigious event, fans and analysts alike will be speculating on who will take home the coveted awards. Will Vinicius Junior or Erling Haaland claim their first Ballon d’Or? Will Aitana Bonmati retain her title in the women’s category? And can Ronwen Williams make history by becoming the first African goalkeeper to win the Yacine Trophy?
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