Ballon d'Or Day: here's everything you need to know

There are only hours to go until the Ballon d'Or 2023, which recognises the work of footballers in the 2022-23 season, is announced. It is the campaign in which Leo Messi won the World Cup in Qatar leading the Argentina national team and in which, at club level, he began his career at Inter Miami, where he has become a flagship, has won the Leagues Cup and has missed out on the play-offs for the MLS title.

The Argentinian is the favourite to win the award over Erling Haaland -Manchester City- and his former teammate Kylian Mbappe -PSG-, who are the other main candidates. In the women's section, if nothing goes wrong, Aitana Bonmati will take over from Alexia Putellas, who has been honoured two editions in a row, and will be the third in a row for Spanish football.

Fans should note that the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best Under-21 player of the season, and the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, will also be presented at the ceremony. The contenders for the first trophy are Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid, but counting his season at Borussia Dortmund -, Gavi - Barcelona -, Jamal Musiala - Bayern Munich -, Eduardo Camavinga - Real Madrid -, Pedri - Barcelona -, Xavi Simons -RB Leipzig,  Alejandro Balde -Barcelona-, Antonio Silva -Benfica- and Rasmus Hojlund -Manchester United.

In contention for the goalkeeper of the season award are Yassine Bono -Sevilla and Al Hilal-, Thibaut Courtois -Real Madrid-, Mike Maignan -Milan-, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen -Barcelona-, Ederson -Manchester City-, Emiliano Martinez -Aston Villa-, Andre Onana -Manchester United, Aaron Ramsdale -Arsenal-, Dominik Livakovic -Fenerbahçe- and Brice Samba -Lens-.

What time does the gala start?

The gala will start at 20:00 CET.

Where can I watch the gala?

'DAZN' will broadcast it on streaming. In addition, the Twitch channel of Ibai Llanos will also broadcast it. You can also follow it through the BeSoccer app and website.

Who are the previous winners?

Last year, Karim Benzema and Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or, Gavi won the Kopa Trophy and Thibaut Courtois lifted the Yashin Trophy.

 

October 30, 2023