In an illustrious evening in Paris, Lionel Messi, the forward for Argentina and Inter Miami, claimed his eighth Men’s Ballon d’Or title, enhancing his already glittering legacy.
Aged 36, Messi’s recognition came on the heels of his monumental role in guiding Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar. On the same platform, Jude Bellingham of England and Real Madrid was honoured with the Kopa Trophy, setting his name as the premier under-21 talent on the globe.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland had to settle for second place despite a phenomenal season, while French sensation Kylian Mbappe took third. Remarkably, Mbappe had netted a hat-trick in the World Cup final, although it wasn’t enough to claim the coveted gold against Argentina.
Haaland, the Norwegian powerhouse, had an outstanding tally of 52 goals across all competitions, leading City to a Treble — Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. This feat earned him the Gerd Muller Trophy for top goalscorer.
Messi’s Legacy Continues to Flourish
The Ballon d’Or, a revered accolade determined by the votes of 100 international journalists, acknowledges the pinnacle of footballing talent annually. Messi, apart from his World Cup heroics, was instrumental in Inter Miami’s maiden Leagues Cup victory. With 11 goals in 14 fixtures for the MLS team, his form remains unmatched.
His Ballon d’Or tally now surpasses even the great Cristiano Ronaldo, who has clinched the title five times, lastly in 2017. Notably, Ronaldo, currently with Al Nassr, missed out on the shortlist for the first time in two decades.
Aston Villa’s Martinez Crowned Best Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s World Cup champion and custodian for Aston Villa, was bestowed with the Yashin Trophy, commemorating the world’s elite goalkeeper. His heroics in Qatar, notably a saved penalty during the climactic shootout against France, has solidified his place among the greats. Back in England, his performances pushed Aston Villa to a commendable seventh place in the Premier League.
Yet, the Parisian crowd had mixed feelings, with some jeers evident, likely a residual response to his World Cup celebration against France.
Manchester City: The Indomitable Club of the Year
For the second consecutive year, Manchester City has been anointed as the club of the year. Under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship, they emulated a Treble achievement, with an impressive seven of their players being considered for the Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius Jr: Champion On and Off the Pitch
Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid’s talented winger, was presented with the Socrates Award. Beyond his on-field exploits, he’s been an advocate against racism, having faced abhorrent abuse during La Liga encounters. His off-field commitments, notably a foundation geared towards education in Brazil’s deprived sectors, showcases his dedication to making a difference.
