It’s the master against the apprentice. Nobody has won this coveted individual honour on more occasions than Lionel Messi. And the great Argentinean has this season achieved his greatest feat, captaining his country to the World Cup.
Erling Haaland is approaching fast in Messi’s rearview mirror. The striker has enjoyed an extraordinary season in England with Manchester City. He’s on track to be a future Ballon d’Or winner but will this be the year?
Ballon d’Or Odds 2023 Table
| Player | Odds | Probability |
| Lionel Messi | 1/2 | 66.67% |
| Erling Haaland | 3/2 | 40.00% |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 25/1 | 3.85% |
| Vinicius Junior | 33/1 | 2.94% |
| Karim Benzema | 50/1 | 1.96% |
| Kylian Mbappe | 50/1 | 1.96% |
| Harry Kane | 250/1 | 0.40% |
| Mohamed Salah | 250/1 | 0.40% |
| Bruno Fernandes | 250/1 | 0.40% |
| Neymar | 500/1 | 0.20% |
| Sadio Mane | 500/1 | 0.20% |
| Phil Foden | 500/1 | 0.20% |
Top 5 Favourites for the Ballon d’Or 2023
Lionel Messi Ballon d’Or Winner Odds
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is the favourite to add to that tally in the latest odds.
2022 was the first year since 2006 that didn’t see Lionel Messi in the top three votes for the Ballon d’Or. It will surely be different this time around after Messi helped his national team to a first World Cup since 1986.
Messi has been the frontrunner for the award ever since. It didn’t end well but Messi enjoyed a vastly improved second season at PSG.
The 35-year-old averaged a goal every other game in Ligue 1. A far cry from his Barcelona days but an improvement on 2021-22.
The best betting sites in Nigeria have Messi as the favourite in the Ballon d’Or winner odds for a reason.
Erling Haaland Ballon d’Or Winner Odds
Those who doubted Erling Haaland have been proven wrong in the last 12 months. The Norwegian broke the Premier League goalscoring record in his first season in England.
Many view the Manchester City man as a future Ballon d’Or winner. That future may be a reality sooner than expected.
Haaland is now the second favourite in the odds. 36 goals in 35 Premier League matches and a chance at a treble will do that.
Kevin De Bruyne Ballon d’Or Winner Odds
Erling Haaland’s club teammate Kevin De Bruyne is next on the list. The Belgian midfielder finished 3rd in 2022, his best finish in the Ballon d’Or voting.
When clubs are successful as Manchester City have been this season, it’s no surprise when their best players are touted as potential Ballon d’Or winners.
This may just be a step too far for Kevin De Bruyne given the odds.
Vinicius Junior Ballon d’Or Winner Odds
If Erling Haaland is a potential future Ballon d’Or winner then so is this man. Vinicius Junior has been one of the most impressive attackers in world football over the last year.
The Real Madrid man recorded 12 goals or assists in 12 appearances in the Champions League last season.
He was also a key part of a Brazil side that failed to live up to expectations at the 2022 World Cup. That’s why it’s best to avoid Vinicius Junior in the Ballon d’Or betting.
Kylian Mbappe Ballon d’Or Winner Odds
Kylian Mbappe scored 41 times for PSG last season and bagged a hat-trick in the World Cup Final for the eventual losers France.
It’s some list of achievements but the bookies don’t view him as a Ballon d’Or winner this time around.
Past Ballon d’Or Winners
- 2022 – Karim Benzema
- 2021 – Lionel Messi
- 2020 – N/A
- 2019 – Lionel Messi
- 2018 – Luka Modric
- 2017 – Cristiano Ronaldo
- 2016 – Cristiano Ronaldo
- 2015 – Lionel Messi
- 2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo
- 2013 – Cristiano Ronaldo
Betting on the Ballon d’Or Winner
It’s often difficult to bet on Ballon d’Or winners. The award is chosen by a combination of players, national team coaches and members of the media.
It has been compared to a popularity contest in the past. Players have earned more votes than they perhaps deserved.
The voting structure has changed in the last few years but it’s still worth remembering if you want to bet on Ballon d’Or winners.
Since 2021, the timeframe is a season rather than a calendar year. This wasn’t the case before then but it is also worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ballon d’Or
-
Who won the Ballon d’Or last year?
Karim Benzema won the award in 2022. The French forward had a stellar season for club and country. He helped Madrid to the Champions League title and bagged plenty of goals for Les Bleus.
It was the first time Benzema had ever won the award.
-
Who won the most Ballon d’Or?
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award more than any other player. The Argentinean forward bagged his first honour way back in 2009 after finishing 2nd the year prior.
Messi has since won the Ballon d’Or award seven times, on two more occasions than the man in second place, Cristiano Ronaldo.
-
When will the Ballon d’Or 2023 be awarded?
The 2023 Ballon d’Or will be awarded in a star-studded ceremony in Paris on 16th October 2023.
The final list of nominations for the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be announced in August. This list is chosen by a combination of journalists, Ballon d’Or ambassadors and past media members.
-
Who is the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner?
Ronaldo Nazario is the youngest winner of the Ballon d’Or at the age of 21 years, three months. The great Brazilian striker lifted the trophy twice in his career but his first award came back in 1997.
Ronaldo enjoyed an excellent year with Inter Milan, Barcelona and Brazil. He later won the award for a second time in 2002 while at Real Madrid.
