The 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony was lit up again for the 67th edition, as gladiators brightened the day with beauty, class, and inexplicable aura.
Several stars were present at the award ceremony in the usual fashion, as they witnessed the crowning of footballers, who were outstanding during the 2022/23 season.
Lionel Messi won the award for the 8th time in his career, following his glorious outing with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Messi came in with his family and they were in black outfits, with sons Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro wearing black suits, while the Argentine footballer’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, wore a black gown.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy award and he was grateful to those who have been of great help to him so far in his career.
The Real Madrid star also received heart-warming words from Jamal Musiala, who came second in the ranking for the Kopa Trophy.
Jamal Musiala’s heartwarming message to Jude Bellingham
Musiala talked about the journey both players have had, with Bellingham playing for Real Madrid and the German forward, playing for Bayern Munich.
Eden Hazard, the retired footballer was also present at the award ceremony, and he was seen in a hearty mood in the company of his kids.
Eden Hazard ! 😍 #ballondor pic.twitter.com/p9WrQKXGRy
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
IShowSpeed and Iran Ferreira present at the award ceremony
YouTube star IShowSpeed was also at the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony, and he also wore a black suit.
He made an entrance into the ceremony in the company of Iran Ferreira, a young footballer, TikTok star, social media influencer, and digital content creator from Brazil.
Vinicius Jr was awarded the Socrates Award for his work in Brazil helping underprivileged children, and it was an emotional moment for the Brazilian.
Emiliano Martinez’s father hands him the Yashin trophy for 2023
Another heartwarming scene on the night was when Emiliano Martinez’s father, Alberto Martinez, was given the opportunity to present the Yashin trophy to his son.
The award is given annually to the best-performing goalkeeper, and it was first awarded in 2019.
Tennis great Novak Djokovic was also present at the award ceremony and he was pictured alongside Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham.
« I’m a huge football fan! So happy to attend finally the Ballon d’Or »
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
💬 Novak Djokovic at the #ballondor pic.twitter.com/g7uqg8bdfj
Rema serenaded the audience at the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony
Nigerian music and Afrobeat star Rema also serenaded the audience with his beautiful song named “Calm Down”.
YouTuber IShowSpeed was seen grooving to the music, as he shook his body while the song was being sung.
Lionel Messi wins the 2023 Ballon d’Or award
Anyway, Lionel Messi won an unprecedented 8th Ballon d’Or award, beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the prize.
Different opinions and thoughts have ensued following the confirmation, and the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be a massive reference point in years to come.
The 36-year-old became the first footballer playing outside Europe to win the Ballon d’Or, and he was handed the award by co-owner of present club Inter Miami.
Chelsea and Ivorian legend Didier Drogba and French-British TV Journalist Sandy Héribert were the hosts of the award ceremony.
