Page 15 - Soccer360 Issue 104

Women’s Ballon D’Or 2023 winner Aitana Bonmati shows the trophy ahead of the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves
Lionel Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win at the age of 36 is more than a personal accolade; it’s a global triumph that reverberates beyond traditional football powerhouses. Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup
victory in Qatar, showcased unparalleled leadership, securing the coveted individual award for the eighth time. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Messi became the first active Major League Soccer
(MLS) player nominated for the Ballon d’Or, breaking geographical barriers, and marking a unique moment in the
award’s history.
The triumph also underscores Messi’s
adaptability and versatility, transcending
club boundaries. From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain
and then to MLS with Inter Miami, Messi’s journey adds a distinctive chapter to his legacy. His previous Ballon d’Or wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021 were remarkable, but this eighth win, following a World Cup victory, holds special significance. In Qatar, Messi not only led Argentina but won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, scoring seven goals in seven games.
As Messi graciously received the award from David Beckham
in Paris, he expressed gratitude to teammates, and
everyone involved in Argentina’s World Cup success. This unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or win solidifies Messi’s
status as one of football’s all-time greats and adds
another inspiring chapter to his extraordinary career.
His ability to excel across continents and achieve
individual brilliance while leading his nation to
glory highlights Messi’s enduring impact on the
global football stage.
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BONMATI’S STELLAR YEAR
On the women’s front, Barcelona took the prize for the best Women’s team award and Aitana Bonmati, the 25-year-old midfielder from Barcelona and Spain, claimed the
women’s Ballon d’Or. Bonmati played a pivotal role in securing Spain’s World Cup victory
and clinched both the Liga F and Champions League titles with Barcelona. Her remarkable season saw her score 19 goals in 37 matches across all competitions.
The midfielder’s achievements extended
to individual honors as well, winning the Golden Ball award at the World Cup, along with the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year and Champions League Player of the Season awards for the previous season.
ADDITIONAL ACCOLADES:
In other categories, Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player. The English midfielder impressed during the 2022- 23 season for Borussia Dortmund and earned a move to Real Madrid. Emiliano Martinez, the Aston Villa goalkeeper, secured the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, having played a crucial role in Argentina’s World
Cup triumph.
Erling Haaland, the prolific Norwegian
striker, clinched the Gerd Muller Trophy for his outstanding goal-scoring
exploits, setting records with 56 goals for Manchester City in the 2022-23 season. Manchester City was also
crowned Men’s Club of the Year, recognizing their triumphant
campaign in winning the Premier League, Champions
League, and FA Cup.
Halaand with the Gerd Muller Trophy