Inter Miami's Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was announced the winner of the 2023 Men's Ballon d'Or award at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, marking a record eighth win, AzVision.az reports citing the Anadolu Agency.
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or award.
Aston Villa's Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the 2023 Yashin Trophy, which was given to the best performing goalkeeper.
Both Messi and Martinez helped Argentina secure the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
The 1966 Ballon d'Or winner, England’s Sir Bobby Charlton, 2014 honorary Ballon d'Or winner Pele of Brazil and 1960 Ballon d'Or winner Luis Suarez Miramontes of Spain, who all died in 2023, were commemorated at the event.
Also known as the Golden Ball Award, the Ballon d'Or, which has been presented annually by French magazine France Football since 1956, is given to the sport’s best player.
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