For the first time since 2003, the men’s shortlist for the 2023–2024 edition of the coveted individual award does not include either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo—who have won the trophy 13 times between them.
With Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati the clear favorite to win her second consecutive title and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior the front-runner for the men’s prize, the world’s best football players will assemble in Paris on Monday for the Ballon d’Or event. For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo—who won the trophy 13 times between them—are on the men’s shortlist for the 2023–2024 edition of the coveted individual award. Many commentators have predicted that Vinicius, who acquired Ronaldo’s number seven shirt at Real Madrid, will win the Men’s Ballon d’Or following a season in which he won the Champions League and the Spanish championship, will replace Messi.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said, “Vinicius is going to win (the Ballon d’Or),” following his player’s hat-trick in last week’s 5-2 Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund.
“And because of his character, not because of the three aims. He is very remarkable.
However, Vinicius’ six goals from the previous season—two in the semi-final and one in the final—were crucial to Madrid winning their 15th Champions League.
When he faced Valencia fans at their Mestalla Stadium in May 2023 after they subjected him to insults, he garnered support from all around the world.
Goal machines Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland are also on the list of nominees.
Right-back for Real Madrid After a season in which he won the European Championship, the Champions League, and La Liga, Dani Carvajal has an outside chance.
Many expect Bonmati, a 26-year-old playmaker for Barcelona and Spain, to win the Women’s Ballon d’Or again after she won it for the first time the previous season.
She was once more the team’s standout performer as they won the Champions League, Spanish Supercopa, and domestic league and cup, their first continental quadruple.
With forwards Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo seen as the two main challenges to their teammate Bonmati, Barcelona’s number of candidates reflects the Catalan club’s supremacy in the women’s game.
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