Messi wins record eighth Ballon d’Or, Bonmati claims women’s award | Football News

Lionel Messi received the eighth Ballon d’Or of his outstanding profession, whereas Spain’s World Cup-winning star Aitana Bonmati took the ladies’s prize at a glittering ceremony in Paris.

For Messi, the trophy awarded to him on Monday rewards, above all else, his inspirational performances finally yr’s World Cup in Qatar, when he dragged Argentina to victory, scoring seven targets and being named the tournament’s best player.

It was the crowning second of his astonishing profession, and it allowed him to see off stiff competitors, particularly from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, to take the award on the stage of the Chatelet Theatre in Paris.

It was a return to the French capital after he departed from Paris Saint-Germain in June and his subsequent transfer to Inter Miami in Main League Soccer.

Messi thanked his Argentina coach, teammates and workers for making his victory potential.

“Tonight I’m having fun with myself. It’s a pleasure that can by no means depart me, and I hope to have the ability to get pleasure from it for a few years to come back,” Messi mentioned via a translator.

“Turning into world champion was the title we had been lacking. I’d wish to thank everybody who helped make Argentina the world champion group.”

Messi devoted the trophy to late Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who would have celebrated his 63rd birthday on Monday.

“Completely happy birthday Diego. That is for you too,” he mentioned.

Messi advantages from a latest change which implies the award relies on a participant’s document during the last season, relatively than over the calendar yr.

LIONEL MESSI IS THE 2023 MEN’S BALLON D’OR!

Eight Ballon d’Or for Argentina hero! 🖐🤟#ballondor pic.twitter.com/1slOJ6EoKj

— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

Mbappe, Haaland miss out

Mbappe was the star participant in that group, scoring 41 targets, and was additionally the World Cup’s high scorer with eight targets, together with a hat-trick within the remaining which France misplaced to Argentina on penalties.

But he fell simply wanting the Ballon d’Or, ending third, whereas Norway striker Haaland got here second after scoring 52 targets in 53 video games for the Manchester Metropolis group that received the treble of the English Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Messi is 36 and received his first Ballon d’Or in 2009. With eight, he’s now three forward of his outdated rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the following most adorned participant within the historical past of the award.

It stays to be seen if Messi will once more function within the operating for the prize, which is voted for by one journalist in every of the highest 100 nations within the FIFA rating.

“I’m not interested by the long-term future. I’m simply having fun with the day-to-day for the time being,” he mentioned.

Messi will battle to carry off the following wave of superstars, led by Mbappe, Haaland and Actual Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, however his World Cup performances made his victory this time really feel inevitable.

Let’s recap!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/AFYBodAM6N

— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

Bonmati marks ‘distinctive yr’ with Ballon d’Or Feminin

The ladies’s prize appeared much more clear reduce, as Bonmati was rewarded for starring as Spain won the Women’s World Cup in Australia in August.

The 25-year-old midfielder was named the best player at the Women’s World Cup because the Spanish group overcame off-field turbulence, together with protests towards their nationwide federation and coach Jorge Vilda, to carry the trophy.

Bonmati additionally starred as Barcelona received the Champions League final season and was not too long ago named the UEFA Ladies’s Participant of the 12 months.

“It’s tough to enhance on this. It has been a novel yr,” she advised reporters.

“If anybody mentioned to me once I was little that I might play on the Camp Nou, win the World Cup, two Champions Leagues, a Ballon d’Or, a UEFA award, these are extraordinary issues.”

Wins for Bellingham, Vinicius and Martinez

Bellingham received the Kopa Trophy for the most effective participant of final season aged underneath 21.

The 20-year-old has started his Madrid career with 13 goals in 13 video games, though the prize rewards his performances in his remaining marketing campaign with Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham’s Madrid teammate, the Brazil ahead Vinicius Junior, received the Socrates Award in recognition of his off-pitch work.

Messi’s Argentina colleague Emiliano Martinez received the Yashin Trophy for the most effective goalkeeper of the season.

Stunning night time on the Balond’or for the primary time. Very honoured to be awarded with the Kopa Trophy. Thanks to all teammates, members of workers and coaches who’ve helped and proven me help up till this level of my journey and particularly previously yr. Lastly,… pic.twitter.com/YGdez69YBc

— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) October 30, 2023