Dembele & Kelly Nominated for Ballon d’Or Awards
Ballon d’Or 2023: Kelly, Dembélé, and a Host of Stars Vie for FootballS Highest Honor
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The football world awaits with anticipation as the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, recognizing the extraordinary achievements of players across the men’s and women’s games. From Chloe Kelly’s triumphant penalty to Kylian Mbappé’s prolific scoring record, this year’s nominees represent a captivating blend of talent and dedication. Here’s a complete look at the contenders, the process, and the stories shaping this prestigious award.
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Kelly Leads a Competitive Field
England’s Chloe Kelly has emerged as a strong contender for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, following a year of pivotal moments.Last month, she cemented her place in football history by scoring the winning penalty in the Women’s European Championship final against Spain. Her impact extended beyond the final,playing a crucial role throughout the tense knockout stages of the tournament.
Kelly’s club form is equally impressive. Last season, she starred on the right flank for Arsenal during their Women’s Champions League victory over Barcelona – a remarkable achievement against a European powerhouse.
However, the path to victory won’t be easy. Kelly faces stiff competition from her England teammate, defender Lucy Bronze, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, both of Chelsea. Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona, the winner of the past two awards, also presents a formidable challenge. Barcelona players have dominated the women’s award in recent years, winning the last four iterations, and Bonmatí will be looking to continue that streak. Lucy Bronze was previously recognized, finishing as runner-up in 2019 to U.S. forward Megan Rapinoe.
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Mbappé, Salah, and Dembélé Among the Frontrunners
The men’s competition is equally compelling, with a diverse range of nominees vying for the coveted title. Kylian Mbappé, the electrifying forward, is a leading candidate, having consistently demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess. Mo Salah, whose 29 league goals propelled Liverpool to Premier League success, also features prominently.
Ousmane Dembélé,now with PSG,is also in contention. He is one of nine PSG players nominated, alongside goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, forward Désiré Doué (who scored twice in PSG’s 5-0 Champions League final rout of Inter Milan), and the influential winger Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia.
Notably absent from the ceremony last year was Real Madrid, in what appeared to be a protest after Vinícius Júnior finished second. The club and its players subsequently voiced their disappointment on social media. Rodri, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, will be hoping to defend his title, but his season was hampered by a knee injury.
The History and Process behind Football’s Most Prestigious Award
The Ballon d’Or, created by France Football magazine, has been recognizing footballing excellence as 1956 for men and since 2018 for women. the selection process is a rigorous one, relying on the votes of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries for the men’s award and the top 50 for the women’s award.
Each journalist submits a ranked list of players, with points awarded based on their position. The player accumulating the most points ultimately claims the title. This system ensures a broad and informed assessment of player performance throughout the year.
Beyond the Main Awards: Recognizing goalkeeping and Coaching excellence
The Ballon d’Or ceremony extends beyond recognizing the best overall players. The Lev Yashin award honors the best men’s goalkeeper, with PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma currently favored to win, thanks to his crucial shot-stopping during PSG’s accomplished campaign. Hannah Hampton is among the five nominees for the women’s equivalent.
Furthermore, the ceremony will also recognize the best men’s and women’s coaches. PSG’s Luis Enrique and England’s Sarina Wiegman are both nominated,acknowledging their leadership and tactical acumen in guiding their teams to success.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or promises to be a party of exceptional talent and a testament to the enduring passion for the stunning game.