In a recent statement, former Senegal manager Alain Giresse expressed his prediction on who he believes will win the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or award. Giresse has snubbed the likes of Erling Haaland from Manchester City and instead named Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as the favourite contenders for the coveted title.
While discussing the potential winners, Giresse acknowledged Haaland’s exceptional performance for Manchester City, where he played an integral role in their Champions League victory, scoring an impressive 12 goals in just 11 games. However, Giresse firmly believes that Messi and Mbappe’s contributions on the global stage will give them an edge in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
Last season, Messi notched up an impressive record of 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 matches for Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Mbappe showcased his exceptional skills by bagging an impressive 41 goals and providing 10 assists in 43 appearances. Both players played a vital role in securing PSG’s Ligue 1 title triumph.
Giresse believes that the influence of major competitions, such as the World Cup and the Champions League, has put Messi and Mbappe in the limelight, giving them an advantage as potential winners of the Ballon d’Or. He highlighted the individual skills and abilities possessed by both players, which make them strong contenders for the prestigious award.
When asked about other potential candidates, Giresse found it challenging to name anyone. He ruled out Argentina and the French national team and also did not consider the players from Manchester City, as Kevin De Bruyne was already included in last year’s top three. Therefore, Giresse believes that the battle for the Ballon d’Or will ultimately be between Messi and Mbappe.
The final announcement of the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner remains eagerly anticipated, as football fans around the world eagerly await the declaration of the player who will be crowned the best in the game.
