Ballon d’Or 2023: Lionel Messi breaks a new record by winning his eighth Ballon d’Or.

In 2023, Argentina’s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for an unprecedented eighth time, defeating the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland. The award widened Messi’s advantage over Cristiano Ronaldo who was missing from the shortlist. Now playing for Inter Miami after leaving PSG, Messi hailed this as his final Ballon d’Or triumph.

Ballon d’Or 2023: Jude Bellingham has won the Kopa Trophy, becoming the first player from England to do so.

Jude Bellingham, the England midfielder and Real Madrid player, won the Kopa Trophy 2023, becoming the first English player to do so. Bellingham moved to Real Madrid after a record-breaking deal. His standout performance for England in the World Cup and contributions to Real Madrid, including a goal-per-game record in his first 13 games, earned him this award. The Kopa Trophy is presented to the finest young player under 21.

Ballon d’Or: As Vinicius Junior wins the Socrates Award, he promises to keep up the battle against racism.

Vinicius Junior, winner of the Socrates Award, has committed to persist in his fight against racism. He established the ‘Vini Jr. Institute’ in 2020, an initiative leveraging football’s popularity to foster innovation within Brazilian public education. By 2023, the institute aims to benefit up to 15 schools, 10,000 students, and over 500 teachers. The award was a recognition of his off-field contributions, including combating racial taunts audibly endured during La Liga games and financing school construction in underprivileged areas.

Ballon d’Or: Aston Villa’s and Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, wins the 2023 Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper award)

Emiliano Martinez, Argentina and Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, was awarded the 2023 Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or event, defeating competitors including Mike Maignan, Ederson, and Thibaut Courtois. Martinez’s significant contributions to Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup, notably a pivotal save, earned him the honour. Despite jeers from the audience during the presentation, Martinez’s achievements cemented his position as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.