2021 Ballon d’Or Nominees Revealed: A Close Look at the Contenders – TVA Sports

Soccer Ballon d’Or: Nominees Revealed

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and 2022 winner Karim Benzema are among the nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, which were unveiled on Wednesday. The Spanish national team, the reigning world champion, has five players on the women’s list. Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the prestigious individual award, was not nominated as he is currently playing for Saudi club al-Nassr.

The favorites for this year’s Ballon d’Or are Lionel Messi and the rising stars Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Messi, the Argentinean who won the World Cup and was the hero of the final against France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is favored to win his eighth Ballon d’Or despite his move from PSG to Inter Miami in the MLS, which is considered to be less competitive than European leagues. However, Messi has continued to score goals and provide assists since his arrival in Florida.

Haaland, the Norwegian forward, won the UEFA Best Player of the 2022-2023 season, scoring an impressive 52 goals in all competitions in his first season with Manchester City, including 39 in the Premier League— a record. Mbappé, the French star, was also a key player in the 2022 World Cup final, scoring a hat-trick to respond to Messi’s brace. He scored 36 goals in 42 matches for PSG last season and has already started the new season with five goals in three Ligue 1 matches.

Among the newcomers to the list are English prodigy Jude Bellingham, who was signed by Real Madrid this summer, his compatriot Bukayo Saka from Arsenal, young German midfielder Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich, and Randal Kolo Muani, the new striker for PSG.

The Women’s Category

In the women’s category, the Spanish national team, which won the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer, has five players on the list, including four from FC Barcelona – Aitana Bonmati (winner of the UEFA award), Patricia Guijarro, Mapi Leon, and Salma Paralluelo. The fifth player, Olga Carmona, who scored the only goal in the final against England, plays for Real Madrid.

Notably absent from the list is Alexia Putellas, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner in 2021 and 2022. Putellas suffered a serious knee injury and missed most of the season.

Philosophical Implications

The Ballon d’Or is not just a prestigious individual award in the world of football, it is also a reflection of the evolving landscape of the sport. The inclusion of rising stars like Haaland and Mbappé alongside the established figure of Lionel Messi signals a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

This shift in the footballing landscape raises important questions about the nature of excellence and achievement. Is it enough to have a long and successful career, or does greatness depend on moments of brilliance and the ability to capture the imagination of fans? The ongoing debate between Messi and Ronaldo is a testament to this tension.

Additionally, the recognition of women’s football with five players from the Spanish national team shows the growing prominence and importance of the women’s game. This is a positive step towards greater gender parity in the sport, but there is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and recognition for female players.

Editorial: Who Should Win?

The debate over who should win the Ballon d’Or is a subjective one, and fans of each nominated player will have their own preferences. However, it is worth considering the impact and influence each player has had on the sport.

Messi’s incredible career achievements and his ability to consistently perform at the highest level make him a deserving candidate. His skill, vision, and impact on the game have been unparalleled. Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring record in his debut season with Manchester City makes him an exciting contender. Mbappé’s electrifying speed and technical ability are a joy to watch, and his performance in the World Cup final was unforgettable.

Ultimately, the decision will rest with the voting committee, but no matter who takes home the award, it is a celebration of the beautiful game and the talent that graces the football pitch.

Advice for Contenders

To the nominees for the Ballon d’Or, I offer the following advice:

1. Stay humble: Regardless of your individual success, remember to stay grounded and appreciate the opportunities and support that have helped you reach this level. Respect your teammates, opponents, and the sport itself.

2. Continue to challenge yourself: Never become complacent. Strive for improvement, both on and off the field. Set new goals, work hard, and maintain your passion for the game.

3. Be a role model: As elite athletes and public figures, you have the power to inspire and influence others. Use your platform to promote positivity, sportsmanship, and the values that football embodies.

4. Remember the joy of the game: Amidst the pressures and demands of professional football, don’t forget why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. Embrace the joy, creativity, and camaraderie that make this game so special.

These words of advice are not only for the contenders for the Ballon d’Or but for all aspiring footballers. The journey to greatness is not just about individual accolades, but about the impact you have on the game and the legacy you leave behind.