The red carpet has been rolled out again at the entrance of the Teatre du Chatelet de Paris. The lights are on and the schedule is being planned for the most famous gala in world football. The final details have been finalized while waiting for the start of the race this coming Monday, October 28 at 8:45 pm (Movistar+). 68th Ballon d’Or gala. Last year, Aitana Bonmatí and Leo Messi were crowned. Only one of them can repeat the recognition, because the Argentine star was not nominated for the first time in 21 years. In the women’s award, Aitana Bonmatí He is the favorite with his partner Caroline Graham Hansenwho have finally entered the candidates for this award.
The presence of the Norwegian player in the candidate lists for the most important awards in the world of football has been requested for a long time. Graham Hansen It has demonstrated its uniqueness over the years, but in recent years it has not been considered for any individual awards. Without a doubt, he is one of the most decisive players in the world, unique in his way of understanding the game. So, this edition justice has been done y The Norwegian will be in Paris for the Ballon d’Or gala. He can do this thanks to an agreement between Barça and the Norwegian team, which chartered a private jet so that he can travel from the concentration of the national team to the French capital and return before the match to be played in Norway the next day.
Aitana lifted his first Ballon d’Or / Ballon d’Or
In addition to the two favorites, Barça has until 6 players with Barça now or in the recent past. Patricia stoneSalma Parallel (who finished third last year), Alexia whoresMarion Caldentey (now at Arsenal), Lucy BRONZE (who now plays for Chelsea) and Ewa Badass (for his role at Wolfsburg before joining Johan Cruyff this summer). Other nominees for the award are Mayra Ramírez (Levante / Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Ada Hegerberg (Lyon), Lindsey Horan (Lyon).
First time in two decades
In the men’s award there is little mystery as to who will be crowned the best player in the world. Everyone recognizes that Vinicius Jr. He will take the prize with a huge difference from his colleagues on the podium. The Brazilian managed to lift with Real Madrid the League and the Champions League, which is the MVP of the highest competition in Europelast season. With the white team ahead there are also some of his colleagues in the dressing room in Madrid such as Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos y Carvajal. Rodri HernandezManchester City player is also included in the list with Phil Foden, Artem Dovbyk and the azulgranas Lamine Yamal y Dani Olmo.
Messi, golden ball / FRANK FIFE / AFP
This gala will make a change in time. from 2003 nothing happened Cristiano or Leo Messi did not appear in the list of 30 candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. The two stars that marked the last two decades of their passionate rivalry were not among the candidates, thus closing a golden decade for football. However, it is very difficult for any football player to live up to his legend. Leo Messi is the player who has won the Ballon d’Or the most timestook the award for the best player in the world though eight times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023) nominated up to 16 times. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo won it on 5 times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017) 18 times nominated.
Other awards will also be presented next Monday night in Paris. The Yashin trophy (awarded to the best goalkeeper) or the awards for the best coaches in the male and female categories. Without a doubt, it will be a dream night in the French capital to crown the new kings of football.