Ballon d’Or 2023 Odds: Who’s favourite to be crowned world’s best player this year

Who's taking home the big golden ball this year?

Comments

It used to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s favourite day, the Ballon d’Or award ceremony. Less so in recent years, of course, and with him shipped off to a Saudi Arabian retirement home he can effectively kiss goodbye to getting his hands on another big golden statue of a football.

But who’s likely to be crowned the world’s best player in 2023? The awards are hurtling towards us now and, with the ceremony set for Monday October 16, Paddy’s trusty football traders have priced up the latest odds and betting for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

Lionel Messi

Argentina and Paris St-Germain superstar Lionel Messi looks to have a good chance of winning his eighth Ballon d’Or this year after guiding his country to glory in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. He already had a Copa America in the cabinet, but lifting the Jules Rimet after bagging a brace in the final elevated his legendary status even higher.

8/15
Lionel Messi Ballon D’Or 2023 Winner

Erling Haaland

Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland might have to wait to pick up his first Ballon d’Or gong. The Norwegian has been sensational in the Premier League this season but his contry missed out on the World Cup finals and history dictates you need a strong showing in the international tournament during years where they take place to win this.

11/8
Erling Haaland Ballon D’Or 2023 Winner

Kylian Mbappe

Messi’s team-mate Kylian Mbappe was on fire during the 2022 World Cup and he almost single-handedly dragged France to glory, scoring a hat-trick in the final. However, they went on to lose to Argentina on penalties and, like Haaland, you feel his time will come.

80/1
Kylian Mbappe Ballon D’Or 2023 Winner

Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, January 2023

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema won the 2022 edition of this based on his amazing performances in the Champions League. However, injury ended his World Cup prematurely and even similar heroics in Europe this time around might not still be enough to pip Messi.

28/1
Karim Benzema Ballon D’Or 2023 Winner

Marcus Rashford

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has been having a superb season for the Red Devils and is enjoying his best-ever campaign on the goal front. His excellent work continues off the pitch as well but it’ll take some doing to overhaul Messi.

80/1
Marcus Rashford Ballon D’Or 2023 Winner

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne also features highly on our list. The Belgian did go to the World Cup but looked out of sorts as his nation went home early. He’ll be looking to help City continue their trophy hunt on the domestic and European front.

33/1
Kevin De Bruyne Ballon D’Or 2023 Winner

READ MORE

The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com now

THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

What do you think?