Who Will Deserve Ballon d'Or 2023? The Candidates to Watch
The Excitement Around Ballon d'Or 2023
Well, the Ballon d'Or 2023 is fast approaching, and honestly, the anticipation is killing me. Every year, football fans around the world eagerly discuss who will walk away with the most coveted individual award in football. The question this time? Who truly deserves the Ballon d'Or? There are a handful of names that dominate the conversation, but is it clear-cut? Can anyone truly say who will take home the golden ball?
Actually, after discussing with my friend Lucas—who's a die-hard football fan—we both had our doubts about who should win. But, hey, the competition is fierce, and with so many incredible performances this season, it’s hard to pinpoint just one name. Let's break it down.
Top Contenders for the 2023 Ballon d'Or
1. Lionel Messi: The Ultimate Underdog (Again?)
Honestly, when you think about the Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi is the first name that comes to mind. He’s won the prestigious award seven times, and every time he’s in the running, people’s eyes are glued to him. This year, Messi has been incredible once again, even after his move to MLS with Inter Miami. His World Cup victory with Argentina in 2022 was monumental and added yet another accolade to his already legendary career.
I remember watching that final against France and feeling like Messi truly deserved the trophy. His leadership and genius were on full display, and even in 2023, you can see him influencing games in a way few players can. If Messi continues to shine in the MLS and for Argentina, I wouldn't be surprised if he adds an eighth Ballon d'Or to his collection.
2. Kylian Mbappé: The Rising Star Ready for Glory
Okay, but let’s not forget about Kylian Mbappé. The French forward has been exceptional and continues to rise in the football world. After an incredible World Cup campaign, where he scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, Mbappé showed he's not just a future talent—he’s already one of the best.
I recently spoke with my cousin, who’s a PSG fan, and he couldn’t stop raving about how Mbappé is evolving into a more complete player every season. His speed, vision, and clinical finishing are unmatched, and at just 24 years old, he's got a lot more to offer. If he continues his strong performances for PSG and keeps leading France in international tournaments, Mbappé might be a serious contender for the 2023 Ballon d'Or.
3. Erling Haaland: The Goal Machine
Honestly, Erling Haaland is a goal-scoring monster. The Norwegian striker has set the Premier League on fire since his move to Manchester City, breaking multiple records along the way. His physical presence, speed, and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders.
I’ve been following Haaland’s progress for a while now, and it’s almost surreal how easy he makes scoring goals look. Watching him play reminds me of a modern-day striker like Ronaldo or Van Nistelrooy—just pure goal-scoring instinct. Haaland’s potential is limitless, and if he continues his insane goal tally, there’s a strong chance he could take home the Ballon d'Or this year.
What About the Other Candidates?
1. Kevin De Bruyne: The Playmaker Extraordinaire
Another player to consider is Kevin De Bruyne, who is arguably one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. His vision, passing range, and ability to control games make him a vital part of Manchester City’s dominance.
Honestly, I’ve always admired De Bruyne’s ability to dictate the tempo of a game, and I think his creativity is what separates him from many other midfielders. If he continues to provide those magical assists and contribute to City’s success, he could finally earn the recognition he deserves with the Ballon d'Or.
2. Robert Lewandowski: Still a Force to Be Reckoned With
Don’t count out Robert Lewandowski just yet. The Polish striker had an excellent first season at Barcelona, and he’s shown he’s still one of the best finishers in the world. I remember when Lewandowski didn’t win the Ballon d'Or in 2020 due to the pandemic, and many felt he deserved it that year. If Lewandowski keeps performing at his current level, he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on for this year’s award.
Factors That Will Influence the Winner
1. Team Success and Individual Achievements
Honestly, the Ballon d'Or isn’t just about individual brilliance. Team success plays a major role. If a player leads their team to major trophies, such as winning the Champions League or the World Cup, it can heavily influence their chances.
For example, if PSG wins the Champions League with Mbappé as the key player, or if Manchester City claims another Premier League title with Haaland’s goals, these factors will weigh heavily on the voting. Similarly, Messi’s World Cup victory still gives him an edge over other candidates this year.
2. Consistency Over the Year
Another thing to keep in mind is consistency. While a fantastic performance in a single tournament (like the World Cup) can elevate a player’s chances, consistent performances over the entire season are key. A player who can maintain high-level performances throughout the year, across all competitions, is always in the running for the Ballon d'Or.
Conclusion: Who Deserves the Ballon d'Or in 2023?
Well, after considering all the contenders, it’s tough to pick just one. But if I had to make a call, I’d say Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are probably the front-runners, with Erling Haaland not far behind. Each of these players has proven themselves on the biggest stages, and all of them deserve the award for different reasons.
It’s going to be an exciting race, and honestly, it’s hard to predict. Do you have your favorite? Or maybe you think someone else has been more impressive this year? Let’s see how the rest of the season unfolds and who will truly deserve the Ballon d'Or in 2023!
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.