The 2023 Ballon d’Or is believed to be a tight one between Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
While Messi won the World Cup and the French Ligue One, Haaland won the treble with Man City, including the Champions League.
According to reports from Diario Sport’s Albert Masnou, the results have been linked, and Messi will be the eventual winner.
The Argentine has won the award a record 7 times, and will be going for his 8th Ballon d’Or award.
Interestingly, it will be the first time the award will be given to a player featuring for a team outside of Europe. Messi departed PSG for Inter Miami over the summer.
The leak also claimed that Barcelona women’s star Aitana Bonmati will be the winner in the women category. The 25-year-old plays for Barca Femeni. She notably won the Champions League and the World Cup last season.
The Ballon d’Or gala will take place on October 30.
