The Ballon d’Or has restated the criteria that will guide their selection of this year’s award recipient, to be announced next week.
The grand ceremony will take place at the prestigious Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, where Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are the frontrunners.
In the Women’s Ballon d’Or category, Aitana Bonmati is the clear favourite, poised to succeed her teammate Alexia Putellas.
Through their official social media channels, the Ballon d’Or has outlined three key factors that will determine the winner.
Sports Brief takes a closer look at each of these criteria in relation to the leading contenders:
- Individual Performance, Crucial Actions, and On-Field Conduct: The jury will assess which player demonstrated superior individual performance during the 2022–2023 season. Erling Haaland stands out with his remarkable record of 52 goals in 53 appearances, showcasing exceptional individual prowess.On the other hand, Lionel Messi, with 20 goals in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, has made a significant impact on the field.
- Crucial contributions to the team’s success and honours
Lionel Messi’s most significant asset in the upcoming award considerations is his World Cup victory, undoubtedly his strongest bargaining point. During the tournament in Qatar, he played a pivotal role, contributing to every goal scored by his team. Furthermore, the Argentine star secured both the Ligue 1 and French Cup titles.
In contrast, Erling Haaland played a crucial role in guiding Manchester City to an impressive treble, which encompassed the club’s maiden Champions League victory. The extent of the “vital role” played by each contender, a pivotal factor in the decision, will be at the discretion of the jury.
3. Be fair-play and classy on-field
Both Messi and Haaland boast nearly flawless disciplinary records, having avoided receiving any red cards during the scrutinized period.
Nevertheless, Messi found himself embroiled in a heated altercation with Louis Van Gaal during the World Cup quarterfinals. The intense match concluded with the former Barcelona captain confronting the Dutch coach, followed by reported insults directed at Wout Weghorst.