Ballon d’Or 2023: In the exciting world of football, the Ballon d’Or 2023 awards ceremony is here, and it’s set to be a thrilling clash for supremacy between two phenomenal talents: Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati.
This prestigious event, broadcast live on TNT Sports, has football enthusiasts around the globe on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the crowning of this year’s champions.
Catch the Action Live
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 UK time, and you won’t want to miss it. To ensure you’re in the front row for all the action, head over to TNTsports.co.uk, where they’re offering a free live stream of the event. Additionally, you can tune in to TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+ for live coverage.
The Contenders
Lionel Messi, the football maestro, seeks his eighth Ballon d’Or crown. Can he achieve this monumental feat, or will Erling Haaland, the treble-winning sensation from Manchester City, steal the spotlight?
Premier League Dominance
The Premier League’s influence is undeniable, as 12 out of the 30-man shortlist hail from this football powerhouse. This list includes prominent names such as Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, and Kevin De Bruyne. The Premier League is represented by seven champions from Manchester City, along with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Aston Villa, each contributing a standout player to the mix.
The Voting Process
The Ballon d’Or winner is decided through a meticulous process. Organized by France Football, the event relies on the judgments of 100 journalists from FIFA’s top-ranked member nations. These journalists cast their votes for the five standout players from the shortlist, ranking them from 1 to 5. The player with the most votes takes home the prestigious award.
Karim Benzema’s victory in the 2022 Ballon d’Or was a resounding one, with a substantial 356-vote margin over the runner-up, Sadio Mane. This was the second-largest winning margin in the award’s history, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2016 victory being the only occasion with a greater margin, securing a staggering 429-vote lead over Lionel Messi.
A Show of Talent
Kylian Mbappe, a Ballon d’Or nominee, recently showcased his world-class finishing skills as he propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-2 victory over Brest.
The BT Sport App Transition
In a significant shift, the BT Sport app closed on October 12, 2023. As an alternative, TNT Sports encourages its customers to download the discovery+ app to continue streaming live sports content, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, UFC, Boxing, and WWE.
Rising Stars
The emergence of talented young players like Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham is capturing the attention of football enthusiasts. Comparisons are being drawn between these promising Ballon d’Or nominees, and their potential impact on the sport is discussed by former Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen and three-time Premier League champion Martin Keown on TNT Sports.
Legends of the Game
Only a select few have achieved the remarkable feat of winning the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or. These football icons include Sir Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Paolo Rossi, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Lionel Messi.
The Battle for the Eighth Trophy
Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, aims to secure an unprecedented eighth trophy. Karim Benzema, who currently holds the Golden Ball, stands in his way. The ceremony also presents an opportunity for Manchester City’s treble-winning players to cause an upset, while England’s Jude Bellingham hopes to etch his name in history. This article delves into the latest odds and what to expect from this electrifying event.
A Glimpse into History
Sir Bobby Charlton’s 1966 Ballon d’Or victory, where he narrowly edged out Eusébio, remains etched in football history. This momentous achievement came as he inspired England to World Cup glory at Wembley, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport. Today, we remember Sir Bobby’s greatness, as he is celebrated globally following his passing at the age of 86.
Andre Onana’s Heroics
Andre Onana of Manchester United, a contender for the best goalkeeper award, showcases his remarkable skills in a dramatic last-minute save against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League. Relive this incredible moment that has earned him a spot among the best.
The Yachine Trophy Race
The Yachine Trophy, named after the iconic Lev Yashin, has seen the likes of Alisson, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Thibaut Courtois emerge victorious since its inception in 2019. Now, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Manchester United’s Andre Onana, and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez compete for the prestigious award at the Ballon d’Or 2023.
Upcoming Match: Fulham vs. Manchester United
If you’re a football enthusiast looking forward to the upcoming Fulham vs. Manchester United match in the Premier League, we’ve got you covered. Find all the details on how to watch and live stream this exciting clash on TNT Sports and discovery+. Get ready for an action-packed encounter.
Witnessing the Ballon d’Or 2023
To catch all the action and excitement of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, head over to TNTsports.co.uk. The ceremony is being live-streamed for free, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of this remarkable event. Additionally, you can watch it live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+ starting at 6 PM on Monday evening. The big question remains: Will Lionel Messi secure his expected eighth crown, or will Erling Haaland of Manchester City emerge as the victor?
Kevin Keegan’s Remarkable Double Victory
The football world remembers the incredible achievement of Kevin Keegan, who won the Ballon d’Or in consecutive seasons for Hamburg in 1978 and 1979. He remains the only British player to have achieved this distinction, joining an exclusive club of multiple winners since 1956.
Lewandowski’s Century
Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Barcelona and Poland striker, is once again in contention for the Ballon d’Or. In 2021, he finished second only to Lionel Messi. This year, he is among the top 30 nominees, eagerly awaiting the results at the awards ceremony.
Harry Kane’s Pursuit
Ballon d’Or nominee Harry Kane is on a quest for UEFA Champions League glory with Bayern Munich. Get insights into his prospects and aspirations from former Bayern and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports.