Oti Adjei, a seasoned professional with experience at TV3 and the BBC over the past two decades, cast his vote in favor of Erling Haaland for the esteemed award.
His top selection was Erling Haaland, with Argentina’s Lionel Messi securing the second position. Third place on his ballot went to Kylian Mbappe, the French and PSG sensation.
In the fourth spot, Oti Adjei voted for Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, and his fifth choice was Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian and Napoli striker.
The annual football awards ceremony occurred in Paris, France on Monday, October 30, 2023, with the presence of numerous football legends.
Lionel Messi, who secured the Ballon d’Or for an unprecedented eighth time, was the star of the evening. He outshone the competition, which included treble winner Erling Haaland from Manchester City and his former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe.
Following his remarkable win, Messi, who also claimed victory in the FIFA World Cup with Argentina the previous year, expressed his gratitude for his illustrious career.
He said, “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing,” the Inter Miami forward said.
Additionally, Aitana Bonmati earned the women’s Ballon d’Or, thanks to her standout performance in Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup victory, where she was named the tournament’s outstanding player.
Jude Bellingham, the England and Real Madrid midfielder, was awarded the Kopa Trophy, while his club teammate, Vinicius Jr, received the Socrates Prize.