Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: Top 10 Contenders (June 2023)

As we embark on another thrilling year of football, Our sports team illustrates its selection of the top 10 contenders for the highly esteemed 2023 Ballon d'Or award.

After witnessing Karim Benzema secure his inaugural Ballon d'Or triumph last year, the stars of the footballing world approach 2023 with an unwavering determination to lay their hands on this iconic accolade.

Traditionally, the winner of France Football's annual honor is determined through a combination of votes from football journalists, coaches, and team captains. However, this year France Football has introduced some modifications to the process.

The most notable change is that the votes will now be based on the players' performances during the 2022/23 season and their contributions to their respective national teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, held last winter.

Considering these new criteria, Our team presents the current favorites for the 67th edition of the Ballon d'Or as of June 2023. If you're interested in placing bets on the Ballon d'Or winner or exploring other intriguing betting opportunities, be sure to explore Fun88 and their comprehensive betting offerings.

10) Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) 🇦🇷

Similar to Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez did not showcase his best performance during the 1-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League final. However, this should not diminish the fact that he has arguably had his most outstanding season while wearing the black and blue jersey.

Lautaro played a crucial role in Inter Milan's triumph in the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. The striker impressively reached double digits in terms of goals across all competitions. Throughout 58 games, he remarkably contributed 28 goals and 11 assists. Additionally, he concluded the season as the second-highest scorer in Serie A and played a significant part in Argentina's victory in the World Cup last winter.

9) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli) 🇬🇪

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played a crucial role in Napoli's triumphant Serie A campaign, contributing significantly as a winger. He currently holds the top spot for assists in the Italian league this season.

With a total of 14 goals and 17 assists in 43 appearances across various competitions, Kvaratskhelia's exceptional performance comes as no surprise. The 22-year-old's remarkable talent has attracted the attention of prominent clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain, igniting enticing transfer speculations for the upcoming summer.

8) Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona) 🇵🇱

In a bold move, 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski embraced a new venture by leaving the dominant German champions Bayern Munich and joining financially struggling Barcelona last summer, in a transfer worth €45 million.

Throughout his inaugural season, Lewandowski experienced a mixture of highs and lows. However, it is evident that he had an outstanding campaign. As the captain of Poland, he emerged as the leading scorer in LaLiga, tallying an impressive 23 goals. Across all competitions, he netted a total of 33 goals and provided eight assists. His contributions played a crucial role in Barcelona's triumph as they clinched their first league title since 2019 and secured victory in the Spanish Super Cup.

7) Kylian Mbappe (PSG) 🇫🇷

Kylian Mbappe's status as a Ballon d'Or contender primarily stems from his remarkable performances in the World Cup. During the tournament, he displayed his incredible talent by scoring eight goals for the French national team, including a breathtaking hat trick in the final. Despite his exceptional contributions, he was unfortunate not to secure another winners' medal.

While Mbappe has undeniably excelled at Paris Saint-Germain, his current season has not quite matched the extraordinary heights he reached in the previous campaign. Although he has continued to score numerous goals in Ligue 1, PSG's premature exits from the Champions League and Coupe de France in the round of 16 have slightly overshadowed his overall campaign.

6) Victor Osimhen (Napoli) 🇳🇬

Victor Osimhen has had an extraordinary season! His remarkable achievements have granted him a place on the esteemed Ballon d'Or list. While some may perceive him as an unlikely contender for the ultimate accolade, we mustn't overlook the sensational accomplishments he attained in Naples.

Osimhen played a pivotal part in securing Napoli's first Serie A title since the iconic Diego Maradona era of 1990. As the leading goal-scorer of the Italian league, he netted an astounding 26 goals—a truly momentous campaign that will be etched in the annals of history for years to come.

5) Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City) 🇩🇪

If the Ballon d'Or was determined solely by big-game performances, Ilkay Gundogan would likely emerge as one of the top two contenders. Although the midfielder may not boast the most impressive overall statistics, his ability to deliver in crucial moments is undeniably exceptional.

It is important to recall that Gundogan showcased his brilliance by scoring pivotal braces against Leeds and Everton, propelling Manchester City towards yet another Premier League title. Additionally, he demonstrated his clutch ability by netting both goals that secured City's 2-1 triumph over Manchester United in the FA Cup. Moreover, he led the team as captain to their maiden Champions League triumph, completing a remarkable treble for the club.

4) Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) 🇧🇷

This season witnessed the emergence of Vinicius Junior as the central figure for Real Madrid. Although not as prolific as Karim Benzema, the winger's agility, dynamism, and technical abilities make him a delightful spectacle. Anticipations are high for his upcoming season as he embraces the iconic No.7 jersey at the club.

In a mere 55 appearances, Vinicius has remarkably contributed 23 goals and 21 assists in various competitions. A round of applause is well-deserved for this 22-year-old, whose contributions have played a significant role in Real Madrid's triumphs in the Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

3) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) 🇧🇪

Teaming up with Erling Haaland this season, Kevin De Bruyne became an unstoppable force for Manchester City, showcasing his selfless play and lethal playmaking abilities. His exceptional performance played a vital role in the club's triumphant treble campaign.

Throughout the season, the Belgian maestro displayed his brilliance by notching up an impressive tally of 10 goals and an astonishing 31 assists in various competitions. These remarkable statistics contributed significantly to City's success, as they clinched their fifth Premier League title, secured a second FA Cup victory, and triumphed in the Champions League for the first time in De Bruyne's career.

2) Erling Haaland (Manchester City) 🇳🇴

One can't help but sympathize with Erling Haaland in this situation, as he seemed to have done everything in his power. Unfortunately, Norway's absence in the World Cup significantly hampers his chances. Nevertheless, considering his extraordinary contribution to Manchester City's triumphant treble, the 22-year-old emerges as a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

If Haaland had delivered exceptional performances in the FA Cup and Champions League finals, he would undeniably be the top-ranked candidate. It would have left us with no other option. However, the striker, who netted an impressive 52 goals, couldn't replicate his form on those crucial occasions – although it's unlikely that he would be bothered by it anyway!

1) Lionel Messi (PSG) 🇦🇷

Lionel Messi's bid for an eighth Ballon d'Or rests heavily on his exceptional World Cup performances. In Qatar, he played a remarkable role in Argentina's triumph, ending a long and agonizing 36-year wait for World Cup glory. This victory presented him with the one elusive trophy that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career.

Moreover, at the club level, Messi had an outstanding year during his second and final season at PSG. The talented forward displayed his prowess by scoring 21 goals and providing 20 assists in 41 games, including an impressive 16 assists that topped the charts in Ligue 1. He also secured his second French league title. As Messi looks towards the future, with a potential move to MLS club Inter Miami FC on the horizon, he embarks on the summer with a sense of anticipation for the next exciting chapter in his remarkable career.