Ballon d'Or 2023 live ceremony with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland up for award plus how to watch
After another historic 12 months in football, the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony is upon us and there is a clear favourite for the men's accolade this time around.
Lionel Messi, who has the most wins in the award's history, is being backed to lift the trophy for an eighth time following December's fairytale World Cup success with Argentina. It will likely be the last time the 36-year-old does given his high-profile move to MLS franchise Inter Miami.
Meanwhile, some are adamant the top prize should go to Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. The Norwegian netted 52 times in 53 matches last season and has carried on his sensational form into this term, with 15 already. He, of course, lifted the Treble earlier this year.
Jude Bellingham is an outside bet, despite his terrific start to life at Real Madrid. This year's ceremony may have come around too soon for the England star but he is odds-on to lift the Golden Boy trophy next month.
Elsewhere, Manchester City could be in the running to once again win the team of the year award, while a number of Lionesses are up for the women's top prize after their journey to the World Cup final, including Rachel Daly, Georgia Stanway and Mary Earps. Spanish world champion Aitana Bonmati is favourite for the trophy.
All the stars are flooding in now.
Didier Drogba has arrived with Gary Lineker not far behind. UEFA chief Aleksandr Cerefin has just posed for photos and has just told media he is 'surprised' about the buzz of the event.
"Yeah it was a great season for us. Time to keep going and try to do it again. Congrats to the whole club and everyone who is here tonight."
Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Ruben Dias and, of course, Erling Haaland have made the way down the carpet.
Speaking to
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