The shortlist for the 2022-2023 Ballon d’Or dropped this week, naming the top 30 players in contention for the trophy. And two stars have emerged as the clear favorites – Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
Messi, now with Inter Miami, and Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland lead the pack of those who are more likely to win the award.
Other standout names made the cut too, like Kevin De Bruyne, Vinicius, and Rodri. But if the winner isn’t Messi or Haaland, it would be a major surprise.
Who’s the Favorite to Win the Ballon d’Or?
The key difference this year is that Ballon d’Or considers the 2022-2023 season, from August through June, rather than the calendar year. So Messi has the advantage of lifting the World Cup trophy with Argentina during that period, boosting his case for an astonishing eighth career Ballon d’Or.
But don’t count out Haaland just yet. The Norwegian phenom’s absurd goal-scoring numbers, helping City to the Premier League title, makes him a prime contender. Winning both the league and domestic cup cements Haaland as a real threat to dethrone Messi this year.
The race for glory between generational talents remains wide open. But above the rest, Messi and Haaland shine as the brightest Ballon d’Or stars.
30 Nominee List for the 2022/23 Ballon d’Or
The most prestigious individual prize in football is up for grabs once again. France Football has announced the 30 players nominated for the 2022/23 Ballon d’Or, the annual award given to the best-performing footballer over the past season.
The list features megastars, rising talents, and veteran legends who lit up leagues and tournaments across Europe and beyond.
Which brilliant footballer will claim the 2022/23 Ballon d’Or?
- Karim Benzema
- Josko Gvardiol
- Jamal Musiala
- Andre Onana
- Mohamed Salah
- Bukayo Saka
- Kevin de Bruyne
- Jude Bellingham
- Kolo Muani
- Bernardo Silva
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Nicolo Barella
- Emiliano Martinez
- Ruben Dias
- Erling Haaland
- Martin Odegaard
- Ilkay Gundogan
- Yassine Bounou
- Julian Alvarez
- Vinicius Junior
- Leo Messi
- Rodri
- Lautaro Martínez
- Antoine Griezmann
- Robert Lewandowski
- Kim Min-jae
- Luka Modric
- Kylian Mbappe
- Victor Osimhem
- Harry Kane
