Lionel Messi has been crowned the men’s winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or in Paris this evening.
Messi, 36, was the standout name on the 30-man shortlist for the prized accolade after inspiring Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory in Qatar last December.
The Inter Miami forward lifts the individual trophy for a record-extending eighth time.
For the women’s award, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was lauded after clinching the World Cup for La Roja this summer.
Bonmati, 25, pipped Australia and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr to first place in the voting with her teenage team-mate for club and country, Salma Paralluelo, finishing third.
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Jude Bellingham was presented with the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged under 21.
Bellingham impressed for England at the World Cup and has taken his game to new levels since a summer switch from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid.
With 36 goals in his debut Premier League season at Manchester City, Erling Haaland scooped the Gerd Muller trophy for the top striker.
The Yashin Trophy for the world’s best goalkeeper went to Argentina and Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez.
Spanish and European champions Barcelona were judged the best women’s team while Pep Guardiola’s Treble-winning City picked up the men’s prize.
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