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

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.
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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.
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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: ‘If You’re The Best Show It’ – Ramos Slams Lamine Yamal
Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain has slammed Barcelona stars, Lamine Yamal and Pedri over comments before their Champions League clash on Tuesday.
Before the game, the Barça players were in a bullish mood with Yamal posting a somewhat teasing message on his Instagram Story.
In the post, the young Spain international was seen sitting on a railing and wearing the Spain jersey, with the caption, “Pressure?”
READ ALSO:EPL: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Of West Ham Clash
The best young footballer in the world went on to post, “I’m back and the mission is back too.”
His teammate, Pedri also echoed the confidence during the news conference ahead of the game.
He said “It was a tough game and we want to avenge that defeat,” he talked about PSG’s win over Barça in the Champions League final last season.
READ ALSO:UCL: Spurs Snatch Late 2-2 Draw At Bodo/Glimt
However, they were made to eat their words as PSG beat in front of their fans.
Ramos, who was one of the scorers of the goals told reporters, “We’re the European champions, I can’t say more than that. If you’re the best, you have to show it on the pitch, not talk.”
Ramos’ teammate Vitinha, added, “We don’t give a damn. We don’t care, we just want to play the match, we won, and we’re happy about that.”
Sports
EPL: Paul Merson Predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Other Fixtures
Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson has predicted the Premier League games taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Bournemouth will tackle Fulham at the Vitality Stadium on Friday night, while Manchester United will face Sunderland on Saturday.
Chelsea will take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, while Arsenal will take on West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.
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Brentford will tackle Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday, while Everton will take on Crystal Palace.
Stating his predictions, Merson said via Sportskeeda:
Bournemouth 2-1 Fulham
Leeds United 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
Man United 2-0 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Aston Villa 2-0 Burnley
Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Wolves 1-2 Brighton
Brentford 1-2 Manchester City
Sports
EPL: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Of West Ham Clash
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of the visit of West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arteta has not ruled out Gabriel Magalhaes, after the Brazilian defender was substituted late in their 2-0 win over Olympiakos on Wednesday night.
“We’ll have to wait and see after training,” Arteta said.
“We haven’t done anything today. I’m not too concerned about him.”
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal Snatch Late 2-1 Win Against Newcastle
The Spaniard also confirmed that new signing Piero Hincapie will be fit after the upcoming international break.
“He will be available after the international break,” Arteta said.
“We will do everything as fast as possible, but this one comes too quick for him.”
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke still remain injured for the Gunners.
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