Top 15 Ballon d'Or 2023 Ranking: Check Out The Date For Ballon d'Or 2023 Ceremony

The thrilling conclusion of the 2022/2023 European football season took place in Istanbul with the highly anticipated Champions League final. This season proved to be a true test of endurance for all those involved, as the packed schedule forced leagues to take a break for the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar.

As we approach the end of the season, the race for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or is reaching its climax. The world’s finest footballers are eagerly competing to succeed Karim Benzema, the deserving winner of the 2022 Golden Ball in Paris.

This year’s Ballon d’Or battle promises to be unique due to the World Cup being held in the middle of the 2022-23 campaign. The tournament in Qatar, although a distant memory by the time votes are cast in August, has undoubtedly played a significant role in boosting the chances of certain players to contend for the Golden Ball. It’s fascinating to see how their performances in the World Cup have impacted their prospects, especially considering that domestic and European titles have already been decided.

In October, the highly anticipated Ballon d’Or Power Rankings will provide insights into how the voting might unfold. These rankings, designed to reflect a human perspective, offer an intriguing glimpse into the possible outcome of this most lucrative individual award in the world of football – the Ballon d’Or.

15. Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

In the 2022-23 season, Jude Bellingham showcased his exceptional talent with 15 goals and nine assists. Dortmund’s near-miss in the Bundesliga title race makes one wonder if Bellingham’s presence on the final day would have tipped the scales in their favor. Undoubtedly, the teenager’s performances played a pivotal role in Dortmund’s impressive campaign. Recognizing his outstanding contributions, Bellingham was awarded the prestigious Bundesliga Player of the Season. As he looks ahead, Bellingham’s journey will soon lead him to Real Madrid, where he will continue to make waves.

14. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Marcus Rashford’s performance in the 2022-23 season was nothing short of remarkable, boasting an impressive tally of 33 goals and 11 assists. While his stellar form from December to February raised hopes for his future, only time will tell if this period marked the beginning of an extraordinary career rather than a mere hot streak. If Rashford continues on this trajectory, there is no doubt that he will be a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or over the next five years. Additionally, he contributed to Manchester United’s success by helping them secure the Carabao Cup.

13. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

Kvara Kvaratskhelia’s impact on Napoli’s triumphant 2022-23 season cannot be understated. With 16 goals and 17 assists, he played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching their first Scudetto since 1990. Although his form slightly dipped in 2023 compared to earlier in the season, Napoli fans remain elated with his overall contribution. Kvaratskhelia’s exceptional performances have earned him recognition as one of the standout signings of the European football season, and he continues to be a formidable force for any defense he faces.

12. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)

Karim Benzema had an outstanding individual season, amassing an impressive tally of 31 goals and six assists for Al-Ittihad. Despite his remarkable performances, he fell short in helping Real Madrid reach the Champions League final and secure the La Liga title. The French striker’s move to Al-Ittihad raises questions about his European career. If this does mark the end of his time competing for prestigious awards, it concludes a chapter of an illustrious career that saw Benzema hold the Golden Ball title and achieve success with Real Madrid, including winning the Copa del Rey, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

11. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Bernardo Silva, known for his creative playmaking abilities, demonstrated his prowess in the 2022-23 season, contributing nine goals and eight assists. While goals may not be his primary focus, Silva proved his mettle by scoring crucial goals, particularly the pair that propelled Manchester City to victory against Real Madrid and secured their place in the Champions League final. If this season does

mark Silva’s departure from the Etihad Stadium, he undeniably made a lasting impact and bid farewell with an impressive performance across multiple competitions, including triumphs in the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.

10. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

Julian Alvarez had a stellar season, netting an impressive 23 goals and providing six assists for Manchester City. These numbers highlight his potential to be more than just a backup player for the club in the future. Alvarez’s contributions played a significant role in Manchester City’s success across various competitions, including the World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. As the most decorated footballer of the 2022-23 campaign, his nomination.

9. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

In the 2022-23 season, Robert Lewandowski showcased his remarkable abilities by scoring 35 goals and providing 10 assists for Barcelona. Despite facing occasional dips in form, he played a crucial role in leading the team to victory in La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana, reaffirming his status as a top-class striker. As he approaches his 35th birthday, his consistent success in winning league titles is a testament to his remarkable talent.

8. Rodri (Manchester City)

Regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the world, Rodri solidified his reputation in the 2022-23 season. With four goals and seven assists, the Spanish international demonstrated his exceptional consistency as a key performer for Manchester City. Notably, he started more games than any other outfield player, appearing in 52 matches. Rodri’s standout moment came in the Champions League final when he scored the winning goal, further cementing his status among the elite.

7. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Victor Osimhen etched his name into Napoli’s history books during the 2022-23 season. His 31 goals and five assists played a pivotal role in securing Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years. Osimhen’s significant contribution to the team made him the ideal candidate to seal the title-winning goal. Now, the focus shifts to whether Napoli can retain Europe’s most sought-after forward amidst intense interest from other clubs.

6. Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

In the 2022-23 season, Ilkay Gundogan demonstrated his immense value on the field, regardless of the team he plays for. With 13 goals and seven assists, Gundogan showcased his ability to step up during crucial moments. His impressive brace against Leeds and Everton effectively secured the Premier League title for Manchester City. Additionally, his remarkable performance at Wembley, where he scored twice, proved decisive in the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United.

5. Vinicius Junior ( Real Madrid)

It’s fortunate that the Ballon d’Or award doesn’t solely consider the number of trophies won, but also takes individual performances into account. Vinicius Junior, the talented Brazilian, had an impressive season, securing the Copa Del Rey, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

Notably, Vinicius stands out as the only player in Europe’s top 5 leagues, aside from Messi, to achieve both scoring at least 20 goals (24) and providing at least 20 assists (25) in all competitions.

4. Kylian Mbappe ( Paris Saint-Germany)

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, soon to be Messi’s former teammate, is another strong contender. Although he narrowly missed out on winning the World Cup, his extraordinary hat-trick performance in the final showcased his immense talent. Mbappe’s impressive record of 53 goals and 14 assists, combined with his Ligue 1 victory, further strengthens his case for the prestigious award.

3. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne solidified his reputation as the premier playmaker of his generation in the 2022-23 season. With 10 goals and a staggering 32 assists, his creativity and vision propelled Manchester City to new heights. De Bruyne’s consistent form throughout the season played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Although he has faced unfortunate injury setbacks in previous Champions League finals, he finally emerged victorious this time, lifting the European Cup with Manchester City.

2. Erling Haaland ( Manchester city )

Erling Haaland, the young Norwegian striker representing Manchester City, has been on a remarkable rise. His impact in the Champions League and exceptional performance at the World Cup have propelled him into the spotlight. Haaland’s incredible tally of 53 goals across all competitions helped Manchester City secure a historic treble, making him a formidable contender for the Ballon d’Or.

1. Lionel Messi ( Inter Miami )

Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, captained his country to victory in the World Cup, fulfilling a lifelong dream. At 35 years old, his triumphant performance added a touch of romance to football’s narrative. Alongside this historic achievement, Messi scored 38 goals and provided 25 assists across all competitions, solidifying his claim for an eighth Ballon d’Or.

When Is The Ballon d’Or 2023 Date

The Ballon d’Or 2023 awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 30 in Paris, according to the organizers’ confirmation on a Friday announcement. The event will be a grand gala celebrating the achievements of football players. The nominees for various award categories, including the prestigious men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, will also be announced on this occasion.