Ballon d’Or 2023: Favourites, time, venue for tonight’s event

The Ballon d’Or 2023 ceremony is set to take place today Monday, October 30, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

The award which is presented by France Football magazine, recognizes the best footballers in the world in the 2022/23 season.

Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati are the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or award this year.

Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup victory after 36 years in 2022, while Bonmati was instrumental in Spain’s Women’s World Cup win this year.

Erling Haaland is also a strong contender after his record-breaking debut season at Manchester City, winning a remarkable treble, including the Champions League.

The nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or award were announced on September 6.

The following 30 players were announced in September as the nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or award: Julian Alvarez, Nicolo Barella, Jude Bellingham, Karim Benzema, Yassine Bounou, Kevin De Bruyne.

Others are Ruben Dias, Antoine Griezmann, Ilkay Gundogan, Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kim Min-jae, Randal Kolo Muani, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski also made the list, including Emiliano Martinez, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Jamal Musiala, Martin Ødegaard, André Onana, Victor Osimhen, Rodri, Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah and Bernardo Silva.

While the women’s Ballon d’Or list features several Spanish World Cup winners, Bonmati is the strongest contender.

Meanwhile, the ‘Kopa’ award will be awarded to the outstanding player under 21 years of age.

Jude Bellingham is all up for a grab, given his stats at Borussia Dortnund, before moving to Real Madrid, where he has since impressed with his goal scoring skills.

He is set to pip Gavi, Pedri, Alejandro Balde, Eduardo Camavinga, as well as Xavi Simons.

The Yashin title will be awarded to the most outstanding goalkeeper.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is the favourite to take home the award, after he came up trumps in the World Cup final against France.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois is due to be on the shortlist, joined by Marc-Andre ter Stegenn and Bono, among others.

The ceremony will also feature other awards such as the Socrates Award, the Gerd Muller Trophy and a Club of the Year award.

The event will begin at 8:00pm West Africa Time.