Football icon Lionel Messi added another Ballon d’Or to his collection as he was crowned the best player in the world for the eighth time.
It’s the first time Messi, widely considered the greatest player of all time, has won the award since leaving Barcelona.
His leading role in Argentina’s World Cup success in Qatar last year was the decisive factor in winning the sport’s most prestigious individual prize.
The women’s award went to Aitana Bonmati, the inspirational midfielder behind Spain’s World Cup triumph in Australia and New Zealand this year.
Bonmati has also been a central figure for her club in the past year, winning the Champions League and domestic league title with Barcelona. The Catalans picked up the women’s team of the year prize.
Despite calling time on his European club career following a relatively unsuccessful two-season stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has continued to excel for Argentina, scoring in all five games he’s started for La Albiceleste since the World Cup final in December 2022.
Even at 36 and in the twilight of his legendary career, Messi isn’t ready to retire yet. He joined Major League Soccer side Inter Miami earlier this year, scoring a stoppage time winner on his debut, and has stated his aim of representing Argentina at least until the 2024 Copa America.
It is not yet clear whether Messi will still be playing at the next World Cup in 2026, when Argentina defends its world crown in a tournament to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Messi currently plays in the US, having chosen Major League Soccer over an eye-watering offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who were prepared to pay him a reported €377 million ($400 million) a season.
Bonmati’s success is a significant one, not only as recognition for her influence at the heart of her national team, but as the face of a Spain team who conquered the world despite everything.
As Messi and his long-time rival for football’s most prestigious individual accolade, Cristiano Ronaldo, wind down their careers — with Ronaldo’s ending in Saudi Arabia — football’s next generation of male superstars are lining up behind.
Among them are former Borussia Dortmund stars Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
