By the Numbers: Who deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or?
Several candidates have emerged as the club season nears an end
The Champions League final on June 10 will officially close out the European club season. Whichever team ultimately lifts the trophy will have brought the curtain down on an exciting 10-month season — which also included for the very first time a break for the World Cup — to an end.
What comes next are weeks of speculation over which players will change clubs and who will win the Ballon d’Or as the best player in Europe.
Here’s a look at three contenders for that honor and the numbers they have put up (so far) this season that can justify such an achievement:
7 — Lionel Messi (PSG)
You can’t mention the Ballon d’Or and not bring up the name Messi. Along with rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the Argentine has dominated this prize over the past two decades.
Winner of seven of them, Messi led Argentina to its third World Cup — and his first — this past December. That alone, in the mind of many voters, should get him the prize. After stressing that the Ballon d'Or is an individual award, the French sports daily L’Equipe, who oversees the award, made clear last year that voters should focus mainly on the players’ individual performances over collective achievements.
While the World Cup is a big deal, it is only a sample size of seven games. Messi has done little with PSG this season, something that could certainly hurt him.
7 — Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
Is Vini Jr. the most in-form player of the moment? It certainly appears to be the case. Should Real Madrid win the Champions League next month, it will certainly have occured because of the Brazilian.
There is no doubt that the Brazilians striker is a world-class player. His goal against Man City in the Champions League semifinal was spectacular — just the type of play that could help him win the Ballon d’Or. So far, he’s scored seven UCL goals this season.
The reality is that Vini Jr. is only 22 and it is extremely difficult for a young player to win it. Certainly, he could finish in the top five or shock the field by winning it.
12 — Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
What else can be said for the scoring machine that is Haaland. His move last summer to Manchester City has proven to be a wonderful marriage for both the player and the Premier League club.
Haaland’s goals have propelled Man City to first place in England, where they are in a fierce battle against Arsenal for the title. Pep Guardiola’s side is also still in the running to win the UCL, which would be the club’s first if they were to win it. For now, Haaland is this season’s UCL top scorer with 12 goals.
But it’s been throughout the entire season that Haaland has shattered decades-old scoring records. He could very well add the Ballon d’Or to his list of accomplishments in 2023.