Here are the 2023 Ballon d’Or power rankings list along with the favorites for the winner
Performances in Qatar are anticipated to have a significant impact on the outcome of the Golden Ball race, which is already well underway.
Karim Benzema may have won the 2022 Ballon d’Or in what seems like a matter of weeks, but the competition for the title in 2023 is already gaining rhythm.
Who has established themselves this time? Let’s have an analysis, below:
Ballon d’Or 2023 award ceremony power rankings list, predictions and favorites
With the World Cup occurring in the middle of the 2022–23 season, it promises to be a unique Ballon d’Or war. However, by the time votes are counted, it might be a distant memory.
1- Lionel Messi
Last time: 2nd
In 2022-23: 24 goals, 18 assists. Won World Cup & Trophee des Champions.
Messi finally ended the long wait for his first World Cup by taking the lead and inspiring admiration among fans all over the world with his goals and assists.
The Argentine was a deserving winner of the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Although there are still six months left in the season, it might be challenging.
2- Kylian Mbappe
Last time: 1st
In 2022-23: 28 goals, seven assists.
The PSG superstar capped off another unforgettable month on the international scene by securing the Golden Boot with just the second hat-trick in a World Cup final victory over Argentina.
3- Erling Haaland
Last time: 3rd
In 2022-23: 24 goals, three assists.
Haaland now has the opportunity to take it easy for a month and recuperate before attempting to maintain his record-breaking goal-scoring pace.
Due to Haaland’s talent, he can surely win the Ballon d’Or without competing in the World Cup, and the competition has thus far gone almost exactly according to plan for him.
4- Neymar Jr
Last time: 4th
In 2022-23: 18 goals, 15 assists. Won Trophee des Champions.
The Brazilian superstar hinted that he will not stay with the national team through 2026 following their quarterfinal loss to Croatia, ending Neymar’s World Cup desire.
The excellent first half of the season at PSG should not be overshadowed by his form and fitness issues at the World Cup, though. If he keeps up this level of play, he could still force his way into the Ballon d’Or race.
5- Robert Lewandowski
Last time: 5th
In 2022-23: 20 goals, six assists.
Lewandowski cut a frustrated figure for much of Poland’s World Cup run, even though he did manage to score his first goals ever in the competition. But he still has time to prove himself in the second half of the campaign with FC Barcelona.
6- Vinicius Jr
Last time: 6th
In 2022-23: 11 goals, nine assists. Won UEFA Super Cup.
Vinicius displayed glares of his exceptional talent at his first World Cup, but he was one of many players who couldn’t deliver frequently enough for Brazil to go past the quarterfinals.
He can now concentrate on pushing himself to become Real Madrid’s star player for the second half of the season since his first major international competition is now gone.
7- Kevin de Bruyne
Last time: 7th
In 2022-23: Four goals, 14 assists.
De Bruyne, who was one of the World Cup’s least impressive performers, was unable to prevent Belgium’s ageing team from losing in the group stages.
He will be happy to return to Manchester City and begin swinging in crosses so that Erling Haaland can begin attacking once more.
8- Julian Alvarez
Last time: New entry
In 2022-23: 13 goals, three assists. Won World Cup.
Although France Football has instructed judges to prioritise performance over trophies, there is no question that the former River Plate player deserves to be at least a Ballon d’Or nominee given his current situation with Manchester City.
Alvarez now has a real chance to be one of the most decorated players in world football this season.
9- Mohamed Salah
Last time: 8th
In 2022-23: 16 goals, five assists. Won Community Shield.
Despite not being at the World Cup, he could still have hid say in the Ballon d’Or competition.
Liverpool certainly couldn’t be that horrible in 2023 and Salah will likely be in charge if they decide to resume flaming.
10- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Last time: 9th
In 2022-23: 10 goals, 11 assists.
Although Georgia’s failure to make the World Cup was undoubtedly a severe setback for his Ballon d’Or chances, at least he now has a few extra weeks off to come back in top physical shape for the remainder of the season.
Napoli’s Champions League group victory and clear lead at the top of Serie A thanks to Kvaradona’s contributions position them well for a strong run through the knockout stages.
No statistic captures the winger’s significance more effectively than the fact that, despite missing Napoli’s final three games before the break due to injury, he presently leads Serie A in the number of goals and assists combined.
ALSO READ: PLAY FREE ONLINE GAMES