Record maker, Lionel Messi wins record eighth Ballon d’Or

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has been named the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner.

The Inter Miami striker beat french striker, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Norway to claim a record eight Ballon d’Or in Paris, France, on Monday.

Messi led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He was adjudged the best player in the competition and won the Golden Ball.

After winning the 2022-23 Ligue One title with Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Messi joined Inter Miami in the US Major League Soccer (MLS).

Messi had previously won the Ballon d’Or trophies in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

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Super eagles striker, Victor Osimhen was named in the eighth position on the ranking of the best male footballers in the world.

In the women’s category, Barcelona’s midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, won the Ballon d’Or Femeni.

She was named ‘UEFA Player of the Year’ in August and also won a league and UEFA Women’s Champions League double with Barcelona. She was also named the best player of the tournament as Spain lifted the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Real Madrid and England attacker, Jude Bellingham claimed the Kopa Trophy, the award for best-performing player under the age of 21.