Sports

Ballon d’Or 2023: When Nominees Will Be Announced, Ceremony Date, Favourites To Win

Published

3 years ago

September 6, 2023

Football’s most prestigious prize, Ballon d’Or, brings together the finest and most impressive footballers over the past one year to celebrate their heroics that brought awe, joy and pride to millions of football fans across the world.

Former Real Madrid star, Karim Benzema reigns as the current winner of the coveted prize and will likely see his dominance ends when the 2023 edition takes place.

Since the Frenchman won in 2022, epic football events have taken place from Lionel Messi leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, to Erling Haaland proving unstoppable by defenders in Europe as he guided Manchester City to their first ever European glory in the UEFA Champions League, not to forget Aitana Bonmati trailblazing performance pivotal to Spain being crowned world champions at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

It promises to be a fierce contest for the highly coveted award as fans bide their time to find out what the nomination list will comprise of and who the eventual winners will be.

WHEN WILL THE BALLON D’OR 2023 NOMINEES BE ANNOUNCED?

The nominees list for the men’s Ballon d’Or, women’s Ballon d’Or, Yashin Trophy and Kopa Trophy will be announced on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

A 30-man shortlist is expected for the men’s Ballon d’Or, 20 players for the women’s list and 10 for the Yashin and Kopa awards – given to the best goalkeeper and Under-21 player, respectively.

WHEN IS THE BALLON D’OR 2023 CEREMONY?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30.

The winners of the Ballon d’Or 2023 will be announced on this day.

WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES FOR THE MEN’S BALLON D’OR 2023?

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are the top two favourites to scoop the men’s award following their heroics with Argentina and Manchester City respectively.

Vinicius Junior, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe and Rodri are other players also expected to feature prominently in the list.

Barcelona and Spain star Bonmati who was instrumental to the Spanish women’s national team glory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup is highly tipped to win the prize her teammate, Alexia Putellas won last year.

With a phenomenal performance at the tournament, playing in every game and serving as a cornerstone of coach Jorge Vilda’s side, Bonmati is a strong contender to succeed Putellas.

Chelsea’s Sam Kerr is yet another likely winner having racked up 29 goals for Chelsea last season as they won a domestic double before featuring for the Matildas at the World Cup.
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Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.