Ballon d'Or 2023: Rodri, Bonmatí Shine, Real Madrid Blank
The 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony saw a historic night for both Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí, with the Manchester City midfielder and Barcelona midfielder taking home the coveted awards. However, the ceremony was also marked by the surprising absence of any Real Madrid players among the winners.
Rodri Claims the Men's Ballon d'Or
Rodri, the Spanish defensive midfielder, secured the Men's Ballon d'Or after a remarkable season with Manchester City. His pivotal role in their treble-winning campaign saw him emerge as the dominant candidate for the award. This was the first time a Spanish player won the award since Luis Suárez in 1960.
The other prominent nominees included Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), and Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain). While Haaland's prolific goalscoring and Messi's iconic career made them strong contenders, Rodri's consistent performances across all competitions ultimately earned him the honor.
Bonmatí Triumphs in the Women's Category
Aitana Bonmatí, the Barcelona midfielder, claimed the Women's Ballon d'Or, following her stellar performances with the Spanish national team and her club. She was instrumental in Spain's World Cup triumph and played a vital role in Barcelona's domestic dominance.
Bonmatí's victory was a testament to her exceptional skills and leadership qualities. She beat out fellow nominees like Lena Oberdorf (Germany) and Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), who won the award in 2021 and 2022.
Real Madrid's Silent Night
While the ceremony celebrated the achievements of many, the absence of Real Madrid players among the winners stood out.
Karim Benzema, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, failed to defend his title due to a lackluster season. Vinicius Júnior, despite his consistently exceptional displays, also did not feature among the top contenders.
This marked the first time since 2008 that Real Madrid, a club synonymous with success, had no players recognized at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Looking Ahead
The Ballon d'Or 2023 saw a mix of expected and surprising outcomes. While the new winners, Rodri and Bonmatí, cemented their status as world-class talents, the absence of Real Madrid players from the podium raises questions about the club's future dominance.
As the next season unfolds, the football world eagerly awaits to see which players will make their mark and compete for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.