Sports
Lionel Messi wins 8th Ballon d’Or award, Emi Martinez, Bellingham and others shines
Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi, has been confirmed the winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or as he becomes the first player to win the award a record eight times.
Lionel Messi was announced the winner of the Ballon d’Or ahead of Erling Haaland of Manchester City at the 2,500-capacity Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on Monday, October 30, 2023.
Before this year’s edition of the award, the 36-year-old Argentine football icon had won the award for a record 7 times, two more than his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Following Messi’s victory in the 2023 edition of the Ballon d’Or, the Argentine football icon has won the award three more times than 38-year-old Ronaldo who currently plays for Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia.
Aside from being the only player to win the Ballon d’Or a record 8 times, Lionel Messi has become the only player to win the Ballon d’Or outside Europe as he is currently playing at Inter Miami in the United States.
Also, Messi has become the first player to win the Ballon d’Or in three different countries, six times in Spain while playing for FC Barcelona, once in France, while playing for Paris Saint Germain, and once in the United States, while playing for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi won the 2023 edition of the award ahead of Haaland who won the treble with Manchester City last season – Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions – majorly because the football icon helped Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he won the best player of the tournament.
Lionel Messi and his family at the 2023 Ballon d’Or in Paris, France.
Aside from that, Messi scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists in 41 games in all competitions for PSG last season, helping the club win French Super Cup, and the French Ligue 1 title before joining Inter Miami during the last summer transfer window.
Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham presented the 2023 Ballon d’Or to Messi as the Argentine icon succeeds Karim Benzema of France and Al-Ittihad who won the 2022 edition of the award.
See winners of other categories of the 2023 Ballon d’Or
Aitana Bonmati won the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or
1. Jude Bellingham won the 2023 Kopa Trophy.
2. Vinicius Junior Won the 2023 Socrates Award.
3. Emiliano Martinez won the 2023 Yachine Trophy.
4. FC Barcelona Femeni won the 2023 women’s club of the year.
5. Erling Haaland won the 2023 Gerd Muller Award.
6. Manchester City won the 2023 men’s club of the year.
7. Aitana Bonmati won the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
View this post on Instagram
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
-
Entertainment2 years ago“She is a big celebrity oo” – Nigerians react as knacking video of Nengi BBNaija surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“My Kpekus might be wide oo but you will enjoy it” – Nigerian lady assures fans on social media as she shows off her Toto (Video)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“She has million of followers oo” – Nigerians react as knacking video of TikTok celebrity, Buba Girl, surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“Omo! Na she dey inside the tape oo” – Nigerians react as knacking video of Destiny Etiko surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“Congratulations on your 1 million followers” – Nigerians react as recent knacking video of TikTok celebrity, Black Chully, surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“She should win an award by the end of the year” – Nigerians react as knacking video Empress Njamah surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“It’s been over 5 years she blew up oo” – Nigerians react as kpekus video of Candy Bleakz mistakenly leaks on the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“I will gift a car to anyone who stays up to 10 minutes on this Kpekus” – Nigerian lady shows Facebook fans her Toto as she challenges those who are ready to kanck it (Video)