Lionel Messi wins eight Ballon d’Or titles; Victor Osimhen finishes eighth as Rema performs ‘Calm Down’ to stars
World Cup winner Lionel Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or after edging three-winner Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the prestigious award, while Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen finished eight, a record highest by a Nigerian.
In the ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France, on Monday, Messi, who played a vital role in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, was announced the winner of Ballon d’Or, setting him three ahead of his closest rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Inter Miami star also won the La Liga title with former side Paris Saint-Germain in the year under review.
Meanwhile, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí clinched the Ballon d’Or award for the women’s category. She won the league title and the women’s Champions League with Barcelona, alongside the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Spain in the year under review.
Apart from Osimhen putting Nigeria’s name on the map on the night for becoming the country’s night ranking player in the award’s history, Afrobeats star Divine ‘Rema’ Ikubor was the performing artiste for the night, as he performed his famous “Calm Down” song.
Real Madrid youngster Jude Bellingham was named the winner of the Kopa Award, a category given to the best player under 21 years. Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Yassine Trophy for being the best goalkeeper.
Barcelona’s women’s team was named the best women’s club after winning the league title and the Champions League. Manchester City won the best men’s club – they won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup last season.
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