5 Things You Missed From Ballon D’Or 2023
Lionel Messi Securing His Record 8th Ballon d’Or Triumph And The Global Spotlight Shines Bright on Women’s Football…
The Ballon D’Or is an annual football award that began in 1956, and is considered one of the most prestigious individual award in the sport. With the addition of the Ballon D’Or Féminin, in 2019, introduced to honour the best female player in the sport. With the expansion of women’s football viewership and investment, the awards recognition of female players marks a step change in international sports validating women’s leagues.
5 Things You Missed From Ballon D’Or 2023
1. The Fifth Ballon d’Or Féminin Was Awarded
Adorned in an exquisite custom black Versace gown, featuring a sheer high neck intricately embellished with glistening black crystals, and a daring plunging back was an elegant choice for this wears Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Aitana Bonmatí. The Women’s Barcalona FC player is the 5th woman to be awarded this distinguished honour after an impressive year.
2. It Was A Big Night For Barcelona FC Women’s Team
Aitana Bonmatí lead her team, Barcelona FC to win the Champion’s and Spanish Women’s League as well as leading Spain to victory during the World Cup this summer. Barcelona FC, her team, clinched the title of Best Women’s Team of the year, adding to the significance of the evening for the Spanish squad.
Aitana, it's your moment! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/S1ZsL02hm7
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
3. Messi maintains The Record for Highest Ballon d’Or Awards
Another star of the evening was Lionel Messi, who secured a new record win of 8 Ballon D’Or wins, making him 3 wins ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo who has 5 Ballon D’Or wins. With his last win being in 2021, the Argentinian Captain looks back on an unforgettable World Cup run in Qatar last winter. Going on to win the Ligue title with Paris Saint Germain, before moving to Inter Miami, which is partly owned by Football legend David Beckham. Reminding us that Messi really is second to none.
Standing ovation for Leo Messi! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/qzXeuzRhlm
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
4. The Award is Cased in Louis Vuitton
The Webb Ellis Cup even showed up in designer… housed in a custom Louis Vuitton Trunk donned with the Classic Monogram. The Truck featured a black velvet interior with the awarding body’s crest embossed in Gold. Louis Vuitton is renowned for crafting iconic sporting trophy trunks. With an impressive list of events; from the French Open and Monaco Grand Prix to its partnership with the FIFA World Cup. The prestigious Ballon d’Or further solidifies their legacy in the world of sports.
Victory travels in #LouisVuitton. Congratulations to #AitanaBonmati and #LionelMessi for winning the @ballondor 2023 trophies encased in Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunks expertly crafted by the Maison’s atelier in Asnières.#ballondor pic.twitter.com/O5hQnMuNKY
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) October 30, 2023
5. Erling Haaland comes second for Ballon d’Or Award…
It was a glamorous night for the Sport, Müller Trophy as Best Striker of the year winner Erling Haaland arrived to the awards with his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, who wore a stunning pink sparkly floor length gown. Haaland also looked back on a phenomenal season as the highest goal scorer at 38 goals this season, including 11 for his team Manchester City.
Lead Image Courtesy of Ballon D’Or Via X