Ballon d'Or Odds: Who Will Win The Award In 2023?
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The Prestige of Ballon d'Or
The question of who is the best Men’s football player is talked about globally, with every fan having their own opinion. The Ballon d’Or is an attempt to answer the question definitively by asking Europe’s finest football journalists to vote for the Men’s player they believed performed the best over the previous year.
Initially, the award was only given to players of European origin. In 1995, it was expanded to any player who played at a European club. George Weah of Liberia became the first non-European to win the award in that same year. Finally, in 2007, it became a global award with all professional players being eligible.
The Ballon d’Or is one of two awards given to the best player in world football, along with FIFA’s ‘The Best’ Award. However, the Ballon d’Or is by far regarded as the best.
Ballon d'Or 2023 Odds
When it comes to wagering on the Ballon d'Or odds, discerning punters turn to the best betting sites for the most accurate and competitive lines. With the ever-evolving world of football and its surprises, having reliable sources to place your bets becomes paramount. Additionally, for those who prefer the convenience of mobile betting, the best betting apps provide an intuitive and seamless experience, ensuring that fans can back their favourite players for the Ballon d'Or anytime, anywhere. Hereunder, we have a list of the best Ballon d'Or odds.
Key Players in the Ballon d'Or 2023 Race
In the 2023 Ballon d'Or race, Lionel Messi leads the pack, with odds of 1/12 favouring his sterling season at PSG and Argentina's World Cup triumph. Closely tailing Messi is Manchester City's sensation, Erling Haaland, whose impeccable form places him at 13/2 odds.
Despite his brilliance, Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City stands at 50/1, challenged by Manchester City teammate Rodri at 40/1. Real Madrid's prodigy, Vinicius Junior, is marked at 45/1, reflecting his growing prominence. Surprisingly, Kylian Mbappe, with memorable World Cup moments, is positioned at 66/1. While Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland dominate, other contenders could shock and shine.
Lionel Messi International Dominance
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, has returned to the favourites after missing out on the top three last year. The mercurial Argentine's remarkable 2022/23 season saw Lionel Messi regain peak form under coach Christophe Galtier at PSG. Positioned in his cherished attacking role alongside Neymar and Mbappé, he wowed Ligue 1 critics throughout the year.
The record-breaking feats of Lionel Messi included surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo in European club goals, achieving 1,000 career direct goal contributions, and setting Champions League records. His last PSG season culminated in a Ligue 1 title, 16 assists, and a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season.
Internationally, Messi's magic graced the FIFA World Cup, scoring in every round and helping Argentina clinch the trophy. Given his impeccable form and World Cup heroics, Lionel Messi is the favourite in the Ballon d'Or odds, with betting sites in India giving him odds of 1/12 to win the trophy.
Haaland: The Rising Star and Champions League Winner
Erling Haaland, within a year, has redefined footballing brilliance in England with Man City. After joining Manchester City in July 2022, his remarkable journey began with a double against West Ham. Quickly establishing his prowess, he scored two hat-tricks in August, becoming the fastest to do so in Premier League history.
But it wasn’t just the goals. Haaland’s deeper play involvement, sharpness in movements, and ability to turn and create from forward-facing positions made him indispensable for Manchester City. His strength in holding up the ball, combined with unmatched pace and acute off-the-ball movement, makes defenders' tasks near-impossible.
By May 2023, he had shattered multiple records, notably surpassing Alan Shearer and Andy Cole's single-season Premier League goals tally. The Norwegian superstar did not break the record by just one goal but by two goals. Haaland's debut season culminated with Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League victories.
Despite his successes, Erling Haaland did not provide an assist or score during the Champions League final and semi-finals. This might be one of his biggest criticisms for not winning the Ballon d'Or this season.
By assisting Phil Foden's goal against Brighton, he equalled Thierry Henry's record for goal contributions in a single season. Given his monumental rise, it’s unsurprising that the Ballon d'Or 2023 odds place him in second place behind Lionel Messi, with odds around 13/2.
Real Madrid's Dynamic Duo: Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema's Ballon d'Or Prospects
Real Madrid's electric pair, Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema, have both made compelling cases for the Ballon d'Or with odds of 45/1 reflecting their exceptional seasons. Vinicius, with his captivating flair and speed, has been turning heads, while Benzema, with his timeless ability to find the net and assist crucial goals, remains an indispensable asset to Los Blancos.
Brazilian sensation Vinicius Junior continues to impress at Real Madrid. Despite his prodigious talent and growth, the Ballon d'Or remains a distant dream this year, with juggernauts like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland dominating the scene.
While their individual brilliance shines bright, the coveted Ballon d'Or often leans heavily on team successes. Securing the Champions League would have significantly amplified their chances, as triumphs on such grand stages typically underscore individual excellence amidst collective achievements.
Dark Horses in the Race
Outside of the two major favourites to win the title, a few players could spring a surprise. Kevin De Bruyne, pivotal in Manchester City's iconic treble season, is valued at 50/1 from an initial 33/1. Although consistently brilliant in the Premier League and Champions League, De Bruyne will face intense competition from fellow teammate Rodri to secure a podium spot - with the defensive midfielder priced as low as 40/1.
Kylian Mbappe's 66/1 odds mirror his World Cup outcome - good, but not quite good enough - despite memorable performances like his outstanding final hat-trick against Argentina. With Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland leading, these talented players have a mountain to climb to clinch the top honour.
Meanwhile, with surprisingly long Ballon d'Or odds of 100/1 for Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo remains a focal point of discussion in the football world. Despite undeniable legacy and immense fanbase of Cristiano Ronaldo, this year's Ballon d'Or seems a distant aspiration. With titans like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland overshadowing the conversation about Cristiano Ronaldo possibly winning the Ballon d'Or, the chances of Cristiano Ronaldo seem slimmer than usual, though the name and influence of Cristiano Ronaldo in the sport remain unparalleled.
Analysing the ballon d'or Odds
Bookmakers consider players’ seasonal performances, injuries, and notable events when setting Ballon d'Or odds. While Messi's place as the favourite reflects his outstanding performance in Qatar this winter, Haaland's standout season, culminating in a treble for Manchester City has him a close second.
The football superstars, usually led by goalscorers and major trophy winners, typically comprise the favourites. Despite their excellent seasons, players like Rodri will struggle to win the award in unheralded positions like defensive midfielder. Only three defensive players - Fabio Cannavaro, Matthias Sammer, and Lothar Matthaus - have won the award.
Influence of Team Achievements
Team successes significantly affect a player's chances of winning the Ballon d’Or and thus it does influence the ballon d'or odds. For instance, Lionel Messi’s performances for Argentina during the 2021 Copa America, leading his nation to their first win in the tournament since 1993, made everyone stand up and take notice of his exceptional ability. He then picked up the Ballon d’Or 2021, despite an unbelievable goal-scoring season from Robert Lewandoski.
So, if you're checking the Ballon d'Or 2023 odds, keep an eye on those players who've recently won major tournaments with their club or country. These big wins might increase their odds of bagging the Ballon d'Or. After all, who doesn't like a player who shines in the spotlight and helps his team win big trophies?
Will Erling Haaland, who led his team to the treble in 2022/23, feature prominently in the voter's minds, or will Lionel Messi, guiding his team to their first World Cup victory since 1986, steal the limelight again?
Fans' Role in the Ballon d'Or
While judged by professionals, the Ballon d'Or cannot escape fans' influence, especially in the digital age. Fans' reactions on social media platforms play a pivotal role in shaping player perceptions, and with online gambling becoming more popular, new betting sites in India often gauge these reactions to set odds.
A player with overwhelming fan support, like Lionel Messi with his millions of admirers worldwide, can witness a favourable shift in odds, underlining the relationship between fans' online sentiments towards sport and the world of sports betting.
Conclusion
The 2023 Ballon d’Or looks set to be an exciting race to decide the top Men’s player in world football, with two superstars leading the odds. Global superstar Lionel Messi is in a familiar position as the favourite to win the award. The impeccable season of Lionel Messi at PSG and Argentina's World Cup win saw him shine in 2022/23.
Bettors looking to wager on the outcome of the award shouldn’t discount Manchester City's prodigy, Erling Haaland, after a dazzling debut season in England. Other remarkable talents like De Bruyne, Vinicius Junior, and Mbappe remain in the chase.
Football fans looking to bet on future editions of the Ballon d’Or should keep their eyes glued to upcoming games and tournaments. Every match can be pivotal in this race. That’s why the Ballon d'Or is not just an award. It's a symbol of football supremacy.
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