Lionel Messi wins record 8th Ballon d’Or

Argentine Talisman, Lionel Messi has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for a record and historic eighth time.

The 36-year-old was given the award at a ceremony held in Paris on Monday, almost a year after leading his country to World Cup triumph in Qatar.

💬 The speech of the 2023 Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi #ballondor pic.twitter.com/HRaNdRwclG

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

The former Barcelona man won the coveted award ahead of Man City forward, Erling Haaland who finished in second place.

« Kylian Mbappé & Erling Haaland will win one day the Ballon d’Or »

💬 Leo Messi#ballondor pic.twitter.com/UeQPkNxkUv

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

Haaland was part of the City side that won the treble last season, scoring a record-breaking 36 goals in 35 EPL games and an overall 52 goals in all competitions last season.

For his goal-scoring prowess, the Norwegian youngster was awarded the Gerd Muller trophy for Best Goal Scorer.

Erling Haaland from @ManCity is the Gerd Muller Award winner! 🤖⚽️🎯#tropheeGerdMuller #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Apu60aJ0fW

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

Other winners of the night include Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati who won the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

« I want to thanks everybody that I’ve played with! »

💬 @AitanaBonmati, our 2023 #ballondor pic.twitter.com/myGzYFCqH5

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

England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham won the  Kopa award for the world’s best player aged under 21.

« Winning this trophy means a lot »

💬 @BellinghamJude winner of the Kopa Trophy#ballondor pic.twitter.com/dDdBdtkLny

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

Argentina World Cup winner and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in the world.

Emiliano Martinez and his Yachine Trophy! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/pHgioaKwFq

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

Madrid and Brazilian winger, Vinicius Jr received the Socrates Award for his contribution to the game on and off the pitch. 

.@vinijr after winning the Socrates Award! #prixsocrates with @peaceandsport / #ballondor pic.twitter.com/UakgEeirhP

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

Manchester City was named the club of the year for the second consecutive time. 

All the winners!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/BHn1DAmfUf

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