Ballon d’Or 2023: Messi, Haaland and the top candidates for next year’s award

Updated: 18 Oct 2022 08:15 BST
6 min read

Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Barcelona — © ProShots

After Karim Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d’Or, the focus has already shifted to the potential winners of next year’s awards, with the mid-season World Cup proving a major factor.

The award will be based on performances across the 2021/22 season, meaning those players who are successful for both club and country will likely be considered stronger candidates.

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With plenty of players hoping to take home the most prestigious individual honour of all, FootballTransfers takes a look at who might win the 2023 Ballon d’Or, in no particular order.

Lionel Messi (PSG)

Messi missed out on the top-30 shortlist of the 2022 award for the first time since 2006 after a difficult debut season at Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the legendary forward has recaptured some of his finest form this season for PSG, orchestrating from a deeper position to assist his teammates instead of focusing on goalscoring.

A decision could be made based on whether Messi can perform in his last ever World Cup for Argentina, with the 35-year-old desperate to right the only wrong in his career.

Erling Haaland

Erling Braut Haaland, Manchester City, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Perhaps the favourite as it stands, Erling Haaland has exploded in the Premier League, scoring goals at an unprecedented level for new side Manchester City.

Having joined from Dortmund in the summer, Haaland is the top scorer in Europe currently, having netted a staggering 15 goals in just 10 appearances so far this season.

Despite Norway having failed to qualify for the World Cup, Haaland’s extortionate goal record could still carry him to the award, especially if he helps lead City to an elusive Champions League title.

Neymar

Some would say that Neymar would have failed to live up to his potential if he fails to win a Ballon d’Or in his career, such is the hype that has surrounded the 30-year-old in his career so far.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has finished third in the voting on two occasions but his injury record, combined with having yet to truly lead his club to glory, has prevented him from being considered to win the award.

However, Neymar has began the new season in prolific fashion and, should he carry that form into a successful World Cup campaign for Brazil, he may be a front runner for the Ballon d’Or even if PSG don’t win the Champions League.

Kylian Mbappe

Between Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, football may have its next generation of the ‘Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo’ debate, with the Frenchman coming 6th in the voting for 2022.

Mbappe has been a troubled figure so far this season, with question marks over his PSG future as well as his relationship with teammate Neymar.

However, Mbappe still has eight goals in ten games this season and will be a big part of France’s quest to retain the World Cup, meaning he will be a favourite regardless where he’ll be playing his club football next year.

Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior has proven to be one of the most exciting players of his generation and the 22-year-old had a breakout season for Real Madrid last year.

The winger scored the winner in the Champions League final against Liverpool, one of 22 in all competitions, and he has begun this season in a similar goalscoring fashion.

A high-profile player who will feature for Brazil in the World Cup, Vini will certainly be a candidate for next year’s Ballon d’Or and for future awards to come.

Karim Benzema

The winner of the 2022 award, Karim Benzema will certainly be in everyone’s minds next year even if he fails to match the incredible 44-goal haul he did during the last campaign.

The Real Madrid forward led his club to La Liga and Champions League success and was rightfully rewarded with the Golden Ball, having been an overwhelming favourite for the honour.

Benzema will also lead France in the World Cup and it will surely a second successive win for his country for the 34-year-old to retain the Ballon d’Or.

Kevin De Bruyne

Having come third in the 2022 Ballon d’Or award, De Bruyne will certainly be looking to better that in 2023, with the Manchester City playmaker in his prime and performing to an elite level.

De Bruyne is at the heart of everything City do and he has established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, having struck up a fruitful partnership creating for Haaland.

While Belgium may not be considered overwhelming favourites for the World Cup, a good performance coupled by City achieving success in the Champions League could be the cocktail for a Ballon d’Or win for De Bruyne.

Phil Foden

Perhaps the darkest horse on this list, Phil Foden has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom since breaking into the Manchester City team and certainly has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.

The 22-year-old is a two-time Premier League Young Player of the Season award winner and is integral to City’s chances of domestic and European success, having netted six goals in ten games so far this campaign.

Should England continue their run of impressive tournament finishes under Gareth Southgate, Foden will undoubtedly play a big part, and will be considered a high-profile candidate for the Golden Ball.