Ballon d’Or Power Rankings – Top 10 Contenders

Another footballing year has come and gone, but the memories etched by these giants of the game remain indelible. From the historic turf of the Premier League to the passionate arenas of La Liga and beyond, we’ve been treated to displays of footballing mastery that will be recounted for generations. The Ballon d’Or, emblematic of footballing excellence, stands as the prize these athletes vie for. In a year brimming with moments of sheer brilliance, narrowing down to the top 10 is no mean feat. Without further ado, let’s delve into the narratives of the 2022-2023 season’s luminaries and what makes them worthy of the Ballon d’Or.

10. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

2022-23 Stats: 23 goals and 6 assists
2022-23 Trophies: World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup

Julian Alvarez has proved to be a star once again as he played a vital role in not only helping his club, Manchester City win the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, but also in helping his country, Argentina win the World Cup. Though he may not be receiving the Ballon d’Or award, it is certain that he will receive a nomination as he is arguably the most decorated footballer on the planet with his trophies.

9. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

2022-23 Stats: 36 goals and 11 assists
2022-23 Trophies: La Liga, Supercopa de España
2022-23 Individual Awards: Pichichi Trophy

With his career coming to an end, Robert Lewnadowski’s chances of ever getting his hands on a Ballon d’Or might be over, however he is still as much of a beast when it comes to attacking and scoring goals as ever. After conquering Germany, his next goal was to conquer Spain as he transferred to Barcelona last summer. In his first year with his new club, he led them to their first La Liga win in 4 years, while collecting his 12th league title in 15 years. Though he might never win the Ballon d’Or, one thing is for sure: Robert Lewandowski will retire as one of the winningest players in football history.

8. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

2022-23 Stats: 33 goals and 5 assists
2022-23 Trophies: Serie A
2022-23 Individual Awards: Capocannoniere

Victor Osimhen had one hell of a breakout season, sealing himself as a Ballon d’Or nominee this year. Osimhen finished the year as Italy’s top goal scorer with an impressive 26 goals, and therefore received the title of Capocannoniere. His biggest feat this year however, was his crucial role in Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years. The future looks bright for this young footballer whether it’s with Napoli, or another club.

7. Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona)

2022-23 Stats: 13 goals and 7 assists
2022-23 Trophies: Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup

Manchester City are lucky to have a player like Ilkay Gundogan on their squad as he continues to show why he’s one of the best players in the world. Gundogan has proven to come up clutch when his team needs him time and time again, as he scored braces against both Leeds and Everton to seal the Premier League title for City. He also stepped up against their rival Manchester United in the FA Cup final, scoring another brace and winning the game for the Citizens.

6. Rodri (Manchester City)

2022-23 Stats: 4 goals and 7 assists
2022-23 Trophies: Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Nations League, FA Cup

Rodrigo has been in exceptional form throughout this season. His outstanding performances have played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumphs in domestic and European competitions. He showcased his prowess in the Champions League final, scoring a crucial goal that secured the much-desired title for Manchester City. Moreover, his huge contributions helped Spain reach the UEFA Nations League final, where they emerged victorious over Croatia in a thrilling penalty shootout, ultimately lifting the European trophy.

5. Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

2022-23 Stats: 25 goals and 26 assists
2022-23 Trophies: Copa del Rey, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup

This season, Vinicius Jr has really stepped up as the primary figure for Real Madrid, leading them to win the Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. Although he may not have been as much of a prolific scorer as Karim Benzema, at just 22 years of age he has attracted millions of fans who eagerly watch his energetic and skillful game. As Benzema, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, begins a new chapter in his career at Al-Ittihad, Vinicius should be even better next season. And though he may fall short of winning the award this time, everything points to this Brazilian youngster winning it in the near future.

4. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint Germain)

2022-23 Stats: 55 goals and 14 assists
2022-23 Trophies: Ligue 1
2022-23 Individual Awards: Ligue 1 Player of the Year, FIFA World Cup Golden Boot

Kylian Mbappe won yet another league title with Paris Saint Germain as he continued to score countless goals. He scored over 50 goals for his club and country, including a hat-trick in the World Cup Final as he took home the Golden Boot. However, after not only falling short in the World Cup to Argentina, he also took an early exit in both the Champions League and Coupe de France. These devastating shortcomings heavily undermine his Ballon d’Or campaign, which to him might have seemed like an inevitable win. 

3. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

2022-23 Stats: 10 goals and 32 assists
2022-23 Trophies: Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup

Kevin De Bruyne finishes with another incredible season, playing a crucial role alongside Erling Haaland in Manchester City’s 3rd Premier League win in a row. He has cemented himself as one of if not the best playmakers of this generation after finishing with 32 total assists this season. De Bruyne’s altruistic style of play and lethal playmaking abilities played a pivotal role in the club’s winning the treble (5th since he joined), and their first ever winning of the Champions League.

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

2022-23 Stats: 56 goals and 9 assists
2022-23 Trophies: Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup
2022-23 Individual Awards: Premier League Golden Boot, Premier League Player of the Season, European Golden Shoe

Erling Haaland has proved to be unstoppable when it comes to goal-scoring this season, breaking countless records and leading the Premier League in goals. He led Manchester City to win the Premier League for the 5th time in 6 years, and a historical win in the UEFA Champions League. However, after scoring only one goal in his last 8 games with Man City, it is likely that Haaland will come up just short of winning the Ballon d’Or. And even after a historical season from the young striker, his country of Norway failed to qualify for the World Cup, further hurting his case. 

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

2022-23 Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists
2022-23 Trophies: FIFA World Cup, Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
2022-23 Individual Awards: FIFA Men’s Best Player of 2022, FIFA World Cup Golden Ball

After not being nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022, Lionel Messi came back 10 times stronger this year after finally adjusting to his new team in Paris. Lionel Messi’s strongest case for securing his eighth Ballon d’Or rests on his remarkable performances in the World Cup. Messi’s outstanding performance in Qatar ended Argentina’s 36-year World Cup drought, as he achieved the one thing that had been haunting him for his entire career. And at club level, Messi enjoyed similar success, winning his second French title in his second year. In his 41 club appearances, Lionel Messi displayed his exceptional prowess, with an impressive 21 goals and 20 assists. However, with this most likely being his last year of European football as he moves on to Inter Miami, it could potentially be his last chance to win his eight Ballon d’Or.