Vinicius Junior Emerges as Front-Runner for Ballon d'Or in Post-Messi/Ronaldo Era
The 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony marks a historic moment in football as the sport transitions into a new era, with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior poised as the favorite to claim the prestigious men's award in a world no longer dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This year’s ceremony in Paris on Monday will not feature either Messi or Ronaldo in the shortlist for the first time since 2003, closing a 20-year chapter in which the two legendary players collected the Ballon d'Or an unprecedented 13 times between them.
Vinicius has risen as a likely successor to Messi, especially following an impressive season with Real Madrid, where he wore the iconic No. 7 jersey once donned by Ronaldo. He helped the club win its 15th Champions League title, netting crucial goals in the semifinal and the final, and was also key in their successful La Liga campaign. His recent performance—a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League—has only solidified his position as the frontrunner, with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti proclaiming his belief in Vinicius’s Ballon d'Or potential. Ancelotti praised not only the Brazilian’s goal-scoring abilities but his character and extraordinary talent, qualities that have endeared him to fans and peers alike.
While Vinicius may lead the pack, he faces competition from a talented lineup, including England’s Jude Bellingham, Manchester City's Rodri, and prolific scorers Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe. Dani Carvajal, also from Real Madrid, is another outside contender after an outstanding season in which he contributed to Real Madrid’s La Liga, Champions League, and European Championship triumphs.
In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati is anticipated to claim her second consecutive Ballon d'Or, after leading her team to a historic continental quadruple last season. Bonmati’s remarkable performances have established her as one of the most influential players in women’s football, making her a favorite for the award over her Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.
The Ballon d'Or remains one of football’s most coveted honors, awarded by an international jury of journalists. As the ceremony unfolds in Paris, fans and players alike will witness the crowning of football’s new icons in an era beyond Messi and Ronaldo, with Vinicius and Bonmati representing the next generation of excellence in the sport.
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