Lionel Messi

The main reason why Lionel Messi could win the Ballon d’or award is because of the way he
won the FIFA World Cup for Argentina in Qatar. He scored 7 goals in 7 matches in the World
Cup including 3 assists. His inspiration for Argentina could be rewarded with a breathtaking
seventh Ballon d’or award.

He also won the 2022/23 Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint Germain at club level, scoring 16 and
assisting 16 in the league.

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe inspired France to the final in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the
highest goal scorer in the grandest competition and also breaking records as well, becoming
only the second man to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup final.

Kylian Mbappe also won the Ligue 1 title with PSG, finishing as the leading scorer in the league
with 29 goals. The 24-year old also scored 7 goals in 8 UEFA Champions League matches
despite being eliminated in the round of 16.

Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland’s magnificent first season at the City of Manchester City could get rewarded with
a Ballon d’or.

The 22-year won the treble with City, winning the Premier League title, FA Cup and the UEFA
Champions League trophy. He was the highest goal scorer in the Premier League and in the
UEFA Champions League.
The Norwegian wasn’t at the World Cup because Norway didn’t qualify but his performance at
club level with Manchester City was utterly sublime even in his first season at the club.