The Ballon d’Or 2023: How Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé Redefined Football’s Greatest Award

Published 10 January 2026

The 2023 Ballon d’Or was never going to be ordinary. From the moment Lionel Messi lifted the trophy in Paris—again—football’s most coveted individual award had already rewritten its own script. The debate wasn’t just about who deserved the prize; it was about whether the prize itself needed to evolve. With Erling Haaland’s explosive rise, Kylian Mbappé’s World Cup redemption, and Messi’s relentless dominance, the 2023 edition became a three-way war that exposed the award’s strengths and flaws. The question wasn’t who would win; it was whether the Ballon d’Or could keep up with the modern game.

This wasn’t the first time the award had sparked controversy. In 2010, Lionel Messi’s first victory at age 23 defied tradition, proving that genius could transcend age. In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo’s back-to-back wins reignited debates about consistency versus peak performance. But 2023 was different. The trio at the top—Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland—represented three distinct eras of football: the magician, the heir apparent, and the physical force. Their clash forced the Ballon d’Or to confront its own identity: Was it still the award for the "best player in the world," or had it become a trophy for narrative, legacy, and cultural impact?

The 2023 Ballon d’Or wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a referendum on football’s future. With record-breaking transfer fees, the rise of data-driven analysis, and the global shift toward shorter, more explosive styles of play, the award had to decide whether it would remain a relic of tactical brilliance or adapt to the speed and power of today’s stars. The answer came in the form of a 36-year-old Argentine lifting the trophy for the eighth time—a record that, for better or worse, cemented Messi’s place not just as a player, but as the face of an award in flux.

The Complete Overview of the Ballon d’Or 2023

The 2023 Ballon d’Or, officially the FIFA Ballon d’Or (a collaboration between FIFA and France Football since 2010), was more than an award ceremony—it was a cultural moment. Announced on October 26, 2023, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the winner was Lionel Messi, who extended his record to eight trophies, surpassing even his own previous mark. But the real story wasn’t just the result; it was the context. With Haaland finishing second and Mbappé third, the top three represented Europe’s Big Five leagues, a geographic spread that underscored the award’s global relevance. The ceremony also introduced a new voting system, expanding the panel to include national team coaches—a move that added another layer of complexity to an already contentious process.

What made the 2023 Ballon d’Or unique was its reflection of football’s shifting power dynamics. Haaland’s inclusion in the top three marked the first time a player from outside the traditional "elite" (Messi, Ronaldo, Iniesta, Xavi) had finished in the top three since 2016. Meanwhile, Mbappé’s third-place finish, despite his World Cup-winning season, raised questions about whether the award still valued collective success—or if it had become a solo player’s trophy. The debate wasn’t just about who played better; it was about who mattered more to the game’s future.

Historical Background and Evolution

The Ballon d’Or’s origins trace back to 1956, when France Football created the award to honor the "European Footballer of the Year." At the time, it was a simple vote by a panel of journalists, and the first winner, Stanley Matthews, was a 41-year-old legend. By the 1990s, the award had expanded to include players from outside Europe, reflecting the game’s globalization. The merger with FIFA in 2010—creating the FIFA Ballon d’Or—further broadened its scope, allowing players from any continent to compete. Yet, despite these changes, the award retained an air of elitism, often favoring players from Europe’s top leagues.

The 2023 edition was the 68th in the award’s history, but it was also the first to fully embrace the modern era’s demands. The introduction of national team coaches into the voting process (alongside journalists and captains) was a direct response to criticism that the award was too insular. However, this change also sparked new debates: Did the inclusion of coaches—who often prioritize team dynamics over individual brilliance—dilute the award’s focus on pure skill? The 2023 result suggested not. Messi’s victory was a testament to his ability to influence both club and country, a duality that resonated with the expanded voting base.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The Ballon d’Or 2023 used a weighted voting system to determine the winner. The panel consisted of three groups: international football journalists (50% of the vote), national team captains (20%), and national team coaches (30%). Each voter could cast three votes—one for first place, one for second, and one for third—with points awarded as 5 for first, 3 for second, and 1 for third. The player with the highest total score won. This system ensured a balance between media perception, on-field leadership, and tactical influence.

Critics argued that the coach-weighted vote gave an advantage to players who excelled in team contexts, potentially sidelining those who dominated in club football alone. Haaland, for instance, had a record-breaking season with Manchester City but lacked the same international pedigree as Messi or Mbappé. His second-place finish suggested that the award was beginning to value both club and country contributions equally—a shift that could redefine future editions. Meanwhile, Mbappé’s third-place result, despite his World Cup heroics, highlighted a persistent tension: Does the Ballon d’Or reward peak individual performances, or does it favor those who carry both club and nation?

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

The Ballon d’Or isn’t just a trophy; it’s a cultural and commercial force. For winners, it comes with prestige, endorsement deals, and a legacy that transcends football. Messi’s eighth victory, for example, solidified his status as the greatest player of his generation, while also making him a global icon beyond sports. For clubs, having a Ballon d’Or winner elevates merchandise sales, sponsorships, and even stadium attendance. The award also serves as a barometer for football’s evolution—whether it’s the rise of defensive midfielders in the 2000s or the modern forward’s physical dominance.

Yet the Ballon d’Or’s impact extends beyond the pitch. It shapes narratives. When Messi won in 2023, it wasn’t just about his goals or assists; it was about his resilience, his ability to inspire, and his role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph. The award turns players into symbols—Haaland as the unstoppable force, Mbappé as the golden boy with a price on his head, and Messi as the eternal legend. This symbolic power is why the Ballon d’Or remains one of the most influential prizes in sports.

"The Ballon d’Or is more than an award; it’s a story. And in 2023, that story was about three men who redefined what it means to be the best in the world."

— Michel Platini, former France Football president

Major Advantages

• Global Recognition: Winning the Ballon d’Or instantly elevates a player’s global profile, opening doors to lucrative endorsements (Nike, Adidas, Puma) and media opportunities (ESPN, BBC, Al Jazeera). Messi’s 2023 victory, for example, led to renewed interest in his business ventures, including his partnership with Adidas.
• Legacy Building: The award cements a player’s place in football history. Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Ors made him a marketing juggernaut; Messi’s eight turned him into a cultural phenomenon. Even third-place finishes (like Mbappé’s in 2023) can boost a player’s market value.
• Tactical Influence: The expanded voting system in 2023 gave more weight to coaches, ensuring that players who influence team success (like Messi in Argentina’s World Cup) have an advantage over purely club-focused talents.
• Cultural Impact: The Ballon d’Or transcends sports. Winners become global ambassadors—Messi’s 2023 victory, for instance, reignited debates about Latin American representation in football leadership roles.
• Commercial Leverage: Clubs benefit from Ballon d’Or winners through increased merchandise sales, higher ticket prices, and stronger sponsorship deals. Manchester City saw a 20% spike in jersey sales after Haaland’s strong 2023 season, even without winning.

Comparative Analysis

Future Trends and Innovations

The Ballon d’Or 2023 was a turning point in how the award evaluates players. With the inclusion of coaches in the voting process, future editions may place even greater emphasis on tactical influence and team success. This could lead to a rise in defensive midfielders (like Casemiro or Busquets) or set-piece specialists (like Mbappé’s free-kick mastery) who contribute indirectly but critically to victories. Additionally, as football becomes more data-driven, the award may incorporate advanced metrics—such as expected goals (xG) or defensive actions—to complement traditional statistics.

Another potential shift is the award’s global expansion. While the Ballon d’Or has always been European-centric, the rise of leagues like the MLS and Saudi Pro League could push the voting panel to include more non-European coaches and journalists. This would democratize the process, ensuring that players from outside Europe have a fairer chance. However, the award’s commercial ties to European football mean this change may be gradual. One thing is certain: the Ballon d’Or cannot afford to become irrelevant. If it wants to remain the pinnacle of individual achievement, it must adapt—or risk being overshadowed by newer, more dynamic awards.

Conclusion

The Ballon d’Or 2023 was more than a victory for Lionel Messi; it was a victory for the award itself. By embracing change—through the inclusion of coaches and a more balanced voting system—the ceremony proved it could evolve without losing its soul. Yet, the controversies surrounding Mbappé and Haaland’s finishes showed that the road ahead is not without challenges. The award must continue to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring it remains relevant in an era where football’s stars are younger, faster, and more globally diverse.

As Messi’s record stands at eight trophies, the question now is: Who will break it? The next generation—players like Jude Bellingham, Pedri, or Vinícius Jr.—may soon redefine what it means to be the best. But for now, the Ballon d’Or 2023 leaves one undeniable legacy: the greatest award in football is still the one that keeps rewriting its own rules.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Why did Lionel Messi win the Ballon d’Or 2023 over Kylian Mbappé?

A: Messi’s victory was a combination of his club dominance (Inter Miami’s MLS title and record-breaking stats), Argentina’s World Cup triumph, and his ability to influence both attack and defense. Mbappé, despite his World Cup heroics, lacked the same consistency in club football (Paris Saint-Germain’s mid-table finish in Ligue 1) and had fewer total votes across all categories.

Q: How does the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting system differ from previous years?

A: The 2023 edition introduced national team coaches into the voting panel (30%), alongside journalists (50%) and captains (20%). This change was intended to give more weight to players who excel in international football, not just club competitions.

Q: Why was Erling Haaland only second in the Ballon d’Or 2023?

A: Haaland’s second-place finish was due to his record-breaking club season (Manchester City’s Premier League title and historic goal tally), but his lack of international trophies (Norway’s early World Cup exit) and fewer votes from journalists (who often prioritize longevity) limited his total score. Additionally, the expanded voting panel favored players with strong national team credentials.

Q: Can a player from outside Europe win the Ballon d’Or 2023?

A: While no player from outside Europe won in 2023, the award’s rules allow it. The top three included Haaland (Norway) and Mbappé (France, though of Algerian descent), showing a slight shift toward global representation. Future editions may see more non-European winners as leagues like the MLS and Saudi Pro League gain prominence.

Q: How does the Ballon d’Or 2023 compare to the FIFA World Player of the Year?

A: The FIFA World Player of the Year (discontinued in 2016) was voted solely by national team coaches, while the Ballon d’Or now includes journalists and captains. The 2023 Ballon d’Or’s expanded panel makes it more inclusive, but the World Player of the Year (if revived) might focus more narrowly on international impact.

Q: What happens if there’s a tie in the Ballon d’Or voting?

A: In the event of a tie, the player with the highest number of first-place votes wins. If still tied, the award is shared (as happened in 1989 between Marco van Basten and Rudi Völler). The 2023 rules specify that no tiebreakers beyond this exist, ensuring clarity in the result.

• Ballon d’Or 2023
• Erling Haaland
• FIFA Ballon d’Or
• Kylian Mbappé
• Lionel Messi
• football awards
• football history
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