Ballon d’Or 2023 Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Oct 30)

• The award for the best soccer player in the world will be handed out in October
• Lionel Messi will be among the leading contenders to win the award for a record breaking eighth time

One of the highest individual honors that can be awarded to a soccer star will be handed out in October, as the Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in Paris. Lionel Messi will be among the leading contenders after guiding his nation to World Cup glory, while Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are also in the race.

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How To Watch

• When: Monday, October 30, 2023
• Where: Theatre du Chatelet, Paris  
• How To Watch: L’Equipe YouTube

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Odds

Player	Odds
Lionel Messi
Erling Haaland
Kevin De Bruyne

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Match Preview

One of the most star-studded nights on the soccer calendar will take place on Monday, October 30, as the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be handed out. For the second time in history, the award will be given out based on performances throughout a season rather than the traditional calendar year. Nominations for the accolade will be announced on September 6, 2023.

A familiar face will be in the running for the award this year, as Lionel Messi is chasing a record-extending eighth success. The Argentinean previously won the award in 2021, and has also finished second overall on five occasions. Messi could be the standout selection this year after helping his nation land World Cup success in December. However, he scored just 21 goals in 41 matches across all competitions with PSG.

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ERLING HAALAND HITS 30 PREMIER LEAGUE GOALS IN HIS DEBUT SEASON 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bG5XHpg4F8

— GOAL (@goal) April 8, 2023

Based on club performances, Erling Haaland could be the standout selection. The 22-year-old enjoyed a memorable first campaign in the Premier League with Manchester City, as he netted a stunning 52 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions. He set the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League campaign, as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated by winning the domestic title, as well as the FA Cup and Champions League.

Kevin De Bruyne is likely to be the only other realistic contender, as the Belgium international played a pivotal role in helping City to achieve a historic treble. However, De Bruyne’s chances of Ballon d’Or glory could have ended in the European final as he was forced off due to injury in the first half in Istanbul.

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Ballon d’Or 2023 Prediction

It promises to be a thrilling fight for the top prize in world soccer in October, with little separating the top two in the betting. However, we would be prepared to take a chance on Haaland, who was excellent across the entire season compared to Messi’s standout campaign at the World Cup.

Free Pick: