07
Sep
The nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or were announced on Wednesday. Lionel Messi is the favourite to win a record eighth title, after captaining Argentina to World Cup glory last year in Qatar. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are expected to run Messi close. The winner will be announced at a prestigious ceremony in Paris on October 30. Karim Benzema is the current holder after captaining Real Madrid to the Champions League title in 2022. The full shortlist includes: Josko Gvardiol, Andre Onana, Jamal Musiala, Karim Benzema, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Kevin de Bruyne, Jude Bellingham, Randal Kolo Muani, Bernardo…