Key events
Emilíano Martínez wins the Yashin Trophy
The Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper, who clinched the Copa América and guided Villa into the Champions League, has successfully retained the award from last year. He received the trophy without placing it in an amusing spot on his body.
Unai Simón secured the second position after his victory in the Euros with Spain, followed by Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid, who took third place for his efforts while substituting for Thibaut Courtois. However, the Ukrainian has since returned to the bench.
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The Ballons d’Or have been unveiled from their luxurious Louis Vuitton containers on stage, creating a dramatic moment. Following that, the next accolade is the Lev Yashin Trophy, which will likely go to one of the distinguished goalkeepers: Emi Martinez or Mamardashvili.
Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gregor Kobel, Andriy Lunin, Mike Maignan, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Emiliano Martínez, Unai Simón, Yann Sommer, Ronwen Williams.
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Updated at 07.44 AEDT
Men’s award: live ranking
8 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
9 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany)
10 Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)
11 Phil Foden (Man City/England)
12 Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen/Germany)
13 Dani Olmo (Barcelona/Spain)
14 Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/Nigeria)
15 Nico Williams (Athletic/Spain)
16 Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen/Switzerland)
17 Federico Valverde (Real Madrid/Uruguay)
18 Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
19 Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal/Norway)
20 Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter/Turkey)
21 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal/England)
22 Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/Germany)
23 Rúben Dias (Man City/Portugal)
24 William Saliba (Arsenal/France)
25 Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)
26 Declan Rice (Arsenal/England)
27 Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
28 Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen/Spain)
=29 Mats Hummels (Roma/Germany)
=29 Artem Dovbyk (Roma/Ukraine)
Remaining nominees: Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Er
Erling Haaland, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Vinícius Júnior.
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Women’s award: live ranking
8 Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain)
9 Trinity Rodman (Washington/USA)
10 Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)
11 Patri Guijarro (Barcelona/Spain)
12 Barbra Banda (Orlando/Zambia)
13 Lauren James (Chelsea/England)
14 Ada Hegerberg (Lyon/Norway)
15 Khadija Shaw (Man City/Jamaica)
16 Tabitha Chawinga (PSG/Malawi)
17 Alyssa Naeher (Chicago/USA)
18 Gabi Portilho (Corinthians/Brazil)
19 Giulia Gwinn (Bayern/Germany)
20 Lucy Bronze (Chelsea/England)
21 Mayra Ramírez (Chelsea/Colombia)
22 Glódis Viggósdóttir (Bayern/Iceland)
23 Tarciane (Houston/Brazil)
24 Lea Schüller (Bayern/Germany)
25 Sjœke Nüsken (Chelsea/Germany)
26 Yui Hasegawa (Man City/Japan)
27 Manuela Giugliano (Roma/Italy)
28 Lauren Hemp (Man City/England)
29 Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg/Poland)
30 Grace Geyoro (PSG/France)
Remaining nominees: Aitana Bonmatí, Caroline Graham Hansen, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Salma Paralluelo, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Lindsey Horan.
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Updated at 07.33 AEDT
Now, returning to the awards – next up is the Gerd Müller award, honoring the player who scored the most goals last season. There is a tie, with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé both netting 52 goals.
Kane, being the only one present, steps up to give a brief speech, asserting his clear superiority over Mbappé while crediting his teammates and France Football. He also expresses his delight in winning an award named after a Bayern Munich icon.
It’s heartening to see Harry receive a trophy – yet it’s a bittersweet irony that he must share this honor with another player even in victory.
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Updated at 07.39 AEDT
Were Hummels and Dovbyk always seated next to Rodri, or … ?
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This is somewhat awkward. Real Madrid has won the men’s club of the year award, but no representatives from the club are here to accept it.
Real hasn’t tweeted about this award or any Ballon d’Or updates – this is the only tweet they’ve made today. It’s an interesting decision.
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Barcelona win women’s club of the year.
Year! The triumphant queens of Spain and Europe claimed victory over Lyon in last season’s Women’s Champions League final, securing their third title in four years.
Players from Barcelona’s women’s team, along with club president Joan Laporta, accept their awards. Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/ReutersShare
Updated at 07.24 AEDT
“I want to dedicate this award to my mother and grandmother, who have always stood by me,” Yamal states. “I also want to recognize my teams and coaches.” Barça’s rising star outperformed Arda Guler and Kobbie Mainoo, with Savinho finishing fourth and Pau Cubarsi in fifth.
Lamine Yamal becomes the third Barcelona player to receive the award since 2021, following in the footsteps of Pedri and Gavi. Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/ReutersShare
Updated at 07.09 AEDT
Lamine Yamal is awarded the Kopa Trophy
The ceremony gets underway, hosted by Didier Drogba and Sandy Herbert. Ruud Gullit steps on stage to present the evening’s first honor – the Kopa Trophy for the best young player (U21). The accolade goes to … Lamine Yamal! At just 17, he becomes the first player under 18 to win this award.
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Nominees are now being called to the stage in pairs, though some pairings are more logical than others – Rodri and Luis de la Fuente, Yamal and Putellas – while others, like Alejandro Garnacho and Aitana Bonmatí, are less expected.
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Here’s the Barcelona group making their entrance on the red carpet …
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Lamine Yamal is the strong favorite for this year’s Kopa Trophy – perhaps Real Madrid opted out tonight to avoid another encounter with him …
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As far as I can see, there is still no livestream from L’Equipe for the ceremony, which is scheduled to start in roughly 15 minutes. It’s not available on television (at least in the UK). This setup seems odd for an event of such popularity and importance.
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Rodri has arrived, moving across the red carpet with crutches after suffering a season-ending ACL injury last month. He mentions that he’s “feeling good” despite being early in his recovery and claims he “knows nothing” about the results of tonight. “It’s an honor to be nominated.”
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It seems the Barcelona administration is up to something here …
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One member of Real Madrid’s Champions League title-winning team from 2023-24 who is making comments tonight is Toni Kroos. The midfielder, who announced his retirement following Germany’s exit from Euro 2024, stated, “Rodri will win,” and added: “I’ve never understood the significance of these individual awards in football; they hold no real importance.”
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente, present at the ceremony tonight, remarked: “It is detrimental to football that a club of Real Madrid’s stature is absent from an event like this.”
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A reminder of a significant development today – it has been reported that Real Madrid canceled their delegation’s trip to Paris, believing Vinícius Júnior will not secure the men’s award tonight.
If this is the case, there is still an opportunity for the organizers to award Vinícius tonight while Real Madrid collectively sulks back in Spain. Even Rodri might find humor in this situation.
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“Whether or not Real Madrid is justified in their opinion about Rodri winning the award, does skipping the event not showcase a childish lack of respect?” questions Rosario Russo. Absolutely, it does. If a Real Madrid player claims the prize next year, what would motivate anyone else to attend?
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Harry Kane has made it to the top 10. Perhaps he could have been a strong contender tonight, had Bayern won against Real Madrid, England triumphed over Spain at the Euros, and Kane not been exhausted by the season’s conclusion.
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Updated at 05.52 AEDT
Mario Balotelli, who placed 23rd on the 2012 shortlist, has signed with Serie A team Genoa. Back in 2016, he claimed he “could have already won” the Ballon d’Or, expressing hope to achieve it “in the next three years.” That seems unlikely now, but I would love to see him shine one last time.
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For the first time in 20 years of the men’s award, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi appears on the 30-player shortlist. With Messi (eight awards) and Ronaldo (five awards) having dominated this prestigious accolade for the past two decades, their era has now come to a close.
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Additionally, there are awards for coaches and clubs …
Men’s club of the year: Leverkusen, Dortmund, Girona, Manchester City, Real Madrid.
Women’s club of the year: Barcelona, Chelsea, Lyon, NJ/NY Gotham, Paris Saint-Germain.
Men’s coach of the year: Xabi Alonso (Leverkusen), Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Lionel Scaloni (Argentina).
Women’s coach of the year: Sonia Bompastor (Lyon/Chelsea), Arthur Elias (Corinthians/Brazil), Jonatan Giráldez (Barcelona), Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA); Filipa Patão (Benfica), Sarina Wiegman (England).
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Several other awards have had their shortlists released, with categories including these player honors:
Kopa Trophy (best young player – men’s award only): Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Garnacho, Arda Güler, Karim Konaté, Kobbie Mainoo, João Neves, Savinho, Mathys Tel, Lamine Yamal, Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper – men’s award only): Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gregor Kobel, Andriy Lunin, Mike Maignan, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Emiliano Martínez, Unai Simón, Yann Sommer, Ronwen Williams.
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Updated at 05.17 AEDT
The men’s list proceeds with positions 15-11: Nico Williams, Ademola Lookman, Dani Olmo, Florian Wirtz and Phil Foden. That’s a quality group without a doubt.
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On a positive note for Roma, they have two players in the top 30 shortlist. The downside is they ranked joint-29th (last) on that list – and neither of them played for the club last season.
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Marcel Desailly also arrived early at the ceremony. This serves as a great opportunity to recommend Jonathan Liew’s interview with the France, Milan, and Chelsea legend.
Photograph: Mohammed Badra/EP
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Men’s live ranking
11 Phil Foden (Man City/England)
12 Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen/Germany)
13 Dani Olmo (Barcelona/Spain)
14 Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/Nigeria)
15 Nico Williams (Athletic/Spain)
16 Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen/Switzerland)
17 Federico Valverde (Real Madrid/Uruguay)
18 Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
19 Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal/Norway)
20 Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter/Turkey)
21 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal/England)
22 Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/Germany)
23 Rúben Dias (Man City/Portugal)
24 William Saliba (Arsenal/France)
25 Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)
26 Declan Rice (Arsenal/England)
27 Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
28 Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen/Spain)
=29 Mats Hummels (Roma/Germany)
=29 Artem Dovbyk (Roma/Ukraine)
Remaining nominees: Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Toni Kroos, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Vinícius Júnior, Lamine Yamal.
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Here comes Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, who appears as though he is on his way to receive an Oscar, following the success of his three-hour historical drama which won Best International Feature Film.
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“Will an American ever win the Ballon d’Or?” inquires Kurt Perleberg. It’s worth noting that Megan Rapinoe has already won it, and I’d bet another player from the USWNT will achieve this honor in the coming years.
When it comes to the men’s award, however, I find it difficult to envision this happening anytime soon. It appears that many US players with immense potential often reach a plateau—like Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, and even Christian Pulisic. But only time will tell.
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Men’s live ranking
16 Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen/Switzerland)
17 Federico Valverde (Real Madrid/Uruguay)
18 Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
19 Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal/Norway)
20 Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter/Turkey)
21 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal/England)
22 Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/Germany)
23 Rúben Dias (Man City/Portugal)
24 William Saliba (Arsenal/France)
25 Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)
26 Declan Rice (Arsenal/England)
27 Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
28
Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen/Spain)
=29 Mats Hummels (Roma/Germany)
=29 Artem Dovbyk (Roma/Ukraine)
Additional nominees include: Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Toni Kroos, Ademola Lookman, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Vinícius Júnior, Nico Williams, Florian Wirtz, Lamine Yamal.
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Several prominent names are absent from the women’s top 30 list, such as Naomi Girma, Keira Walsh, Kadidiatou Diani, and Olga Carmona. This evening’s ceremony will not present a Kopa or Yashin award to any female player and occurs on the eve of the Euro 2025 qualifiers. Is the Ballon d’Or genuinely providing equal recognition for the women’s game?
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Current live ranking for the Women’s award:
11 Patri Guijarro (Barcelona/Spain)
12 Barbra Banda (Orlando/Zambia)
13 Lauren James (Chelsea/England)
14 Ada Hegerberg (Lyon/Norway)
15 Khadija Shaw (Man City/Jamaica)
16 Tabitha Chawinga (PSG/Malawi)
17 Alyssa Naeher (Chicago/USA)
18 Gabi Portilho (Corinthians/Brazil)
19 Giulia Gwinn (Bayern/Germany)
20 Lucy Bronze (Chelsea/England)
21 Mayra Ramírez (Chelsea/Colombia)
22 Glódis Viggósdóttir (Bayern/Iceland)
23 Tarciane (Houston/Brazil)
24 Lea Schüller (Bayern/Germany)
25 Sjœke Nüsken (Chelsea/Germany)
26 Yui Hasegawa (Man City/Japan)
27 Manuela Giugliano (Roma/Italy)
28 Lauren Hemp (Man City/England)
29 Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg/Poland)
30 Grace Geyoro (PSG/France)
Remaining nominees include: Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Caroline Graham Hansen, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Salma Paralluelo, Alexia Putellas, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Lindsey Horan.
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This evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the following awards will be presented:
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Men’s Ballon d’Or
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Women’s Ballon d’Or
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Kopa Trophy (best U21 player)
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Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper)
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Gerd Müller Trophy (top goalscorer)
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Men’s Club of the Year
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Women’s Club of the Year
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Men’s Coach of the Year
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Women’s Coach of the Year
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Here’s an update on the day’s notable events and the 30-player long lists published in September. The countdown has begun, and we’ll provide the latest updates as soon as possible …
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Preamble
Ballon d’Or. Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or!!! … Ballon d’Or? Ballon d’Or?! Ballon d’Or??? This is the ultimate night in football for those who struggle to accept that the game is fundamentally a team sport and that every player in existence (yes, even Cristiano Ronaldo) would trade it for a chance to win the World Cup. The event is upon us, but even before the Paris ceremony has commenced, significant drama has unfolded.
Since the moment that made Rio Ferdinand lose his composure, Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has been viewed as the favorite for the men’s award. However, on Monday, speculative reports suggested that Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri might steal the spotlight for the accolade, gaining considerable traction.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid may be in a state of disarray and have decided against sending representatives to Paris for tonight’s grand event. Meanwhile, Rodri is present on crutches, which could imply a story of its own. Alternatively, there may be further twists as France Football begins its countdown of the top 30.
The women’s award will also be presented this evening, with Aitana Bonmatí favored to defend her title and extend Barcelona’s reign following Alexia Putellas’s victories in 2021 and 2022. Another Barça talent, Caroline Graham Hansen, could also contend alongside Mariona Caldentey, who transferred to Arsenal over the summer.
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Highlights from the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony: Emiliano Martínez Wins Yashin Trophy and More
The Glamorous Night: Overview of the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony was held in Paris, showcasing the pinnacle of football excellence. Football legends, current superstars, and passionate fans gathered to celebrate the best in the sport over the past year. This prestigious event not only honors the best players but also recognizes outstanding contributions across various footballing roles.
Emiliano Martínez: The Yashin Trophy Winner
One of the standout moments of the 2023 Ballon d’Or was Emiliano Martínez being awarded the Yashin Trophy, which honors the best goalkeeper in the world. This accolade highlights Martínez’s phenomenal performances, particularly during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph.
Key Highlights of Emiliano Martínez’s Performance
- World Cup Heroics: Martínez’s exceptional saves throughout the tournament solidified his reputation as a top keeper.
- Pivotal Penalty Saves: His crucial penalty saves in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands were instrumental in leading Argentina to victory.
- Consistency in Club Football: Beyond international duty, his performances for Aston Villa have been consistently impressive, making him a key player in the Premier League.
Other Major Awards at the 2023 Ballon d’Or
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony saw several other notable awards being handed out, celebrating various talents and contributions in the footballing world.
Ballon d’Or Winner: Lionel Messi
For the eighth time in his illustrious career, Lionel Messi clinched the Ballon d’Or. This award further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.
Messi’s 2023 Journey
- World Cup Victory: Messi’s leadership and skill were crucial in guiding Argentina to its third World Cup title.
- Influence at PSG: Despite his transition to Paris Saint-Germain, Messi’s influence and statistics remained remarkable, showcasing his adaptability.
- Global Icon: Beyond the pitch, Messi continues to be a beloved figure, impacting millions with his sportsmanship and humility.
Women’s Ballon d’Or Winner: Aitana Bonmatí
The Women’s Ballon d’Or award was claimed by Aitana Bonmatí, following her outstanding performances for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Aitana’s Impact in 2023
- Champions League Success: Played a crucial role in Barcelona’s run to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
- International Glory: Contributed significantly to Spain’s success in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
- Playmaking Skills: Renowned for her vision and creativity on the field, making her one of the top midfielders in women’s football.
Special Recognition Awards
Striker of the Year: Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland was recognized as the Striker of the Year. His incredible goal-scoring record in the Premier League for Manchester City has made him a household name.
Haaland’s 2023 Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Goals | 45 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Matches Played | 50 |
Rookie of the Year: Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, the young sensation from Real Madrid, was awarded Rookie of the Year for his impressive debut season in La Liga.
Bellingham’s Breakthrough Season
- Versatile Midfielder: Demonstrated his ability to play both defensively and offensively, contributing to his team’s success.
- Impactful Performances: Scored key goals during critical matches, proving his worth in high-pressure situations.
- Arising Star: With his exceptional talent, he’s expected to be a pivotal figure in football for years to come.
Fans and Players Unite: A Celebration of Football
The 2023 Ballon d’Or was not only a night of awards but also a celebration of football culture, bringing together fans and players alike. The atmosphere was electric, with shared stories, laughter, and admiration for the game.
Fan Engagement Activities
- Live Performances: Music and dance performances by popular artists entertained fans during the ceremony.
- Q&A Sessions: Fans had the opportunity to engage with their favorite players during interactive sessions.
- Virtual Reality Experiences: Fans could enjoy VR setups that showcased iconic moments in football history.
Case Studies: Notable Moments from Previous Years
Reflecting on past Ballon d’Or ceremonies can provide insights into the evolution of the awards and the players honored.
2022 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
– **Winner:** Karim Benzema
- **Remarkable Feat:** Led Real Madrid to a Champions League title and was instrumental in their La Liga success.
– **Reaction:** Benzema’s emotional acceptance speech resonated with fans worldwide, showcasing the human side of football.
2021 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
– **Winner:** Lionel Messi
– **Highlight:** Messi’s move to PSG and his ongoing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo continued to dominate headlines.
– **Significance:** This ceremony highlighted the impact of player transfers on individual awards.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Footballers
For budding talents looking to emulate their heroes, here are some actionable tips:
– **Work on Skills:** Dedicate time to practice specific skills, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting.
– **Physical Fitness:** Maintain a rigorous fitness regime to keep up with the demands of the sport.
– **Study the Game:** Watch matches and analyze player movements, strategies, and techniques.
– **Set Goals:** Establish both short-term and long-term goals to track your progress and stay motivated.
– **Network:** Build connections with coaches and mentors who can guide your development.
Conclusion
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony showcased the best of football, celebrating individual and team achievements. With Emiliano Martínez winning the Yashin Trophy and Lionel Messi continuing to shine, the event served as a reminder of the passion and dedication that fuels the world of football.
