After another incredible year where he scaled the summit he most desired, Barcelona icon Lionel Messi has been once again named in the top 30 for the Ballon d’Or, handed to the best player in the world for a given year.
The mercurial Argentine led his nation to the World Cup, being named the tournament’s best player in the process, also winning the silver boot, and racking up 57 G/A for the season.
Having finally, achieved his lifelong dream in the fashion he did, his nomination was also going to be sure shot.
While there is still debate about who between him and Erling Haaland takes the coveted prize, many are certain that Messi will claim his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.
Aside from Leo, new Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has also cracked the top 30 for his treble-winning exploits with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in his first and only season as their club captain before moving to Catalonia.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees were also announced earlier in the evening, with a remarkable six players from Barcelona femeni being named among the top 20 for the 2023 prize.
Their sensational season included the Women’s Champions League title and dominance in La Liga, and for some, the Women’s World Cup as well.
Fridolina Rolfo, Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro, Salma Paralluelo, Asisat Oshoala and Aitana Bonmati (who also won UEFA Player of the Year) all made the list for their tremendous seasons.
The women’s project continues to climb up the ladder apace, and is gaining remarkable domestic and European success year after year.
Other Barcelona stars also made the list of nominees for the Golden Boy (Kopa Trophy) and Marc Andre ter Stegen also was named among the list of candidates for the Yashin trophy for the best goalkeeper of the season.
