Inter Miami Football Club (FC)'s Forward Lionel Messi claimed an unprecedented eighth Ballon d'Or title in 2023, thus extending his own record. At the age of 36, Messi became the first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) player to claim this award after leading Argentina to victory in the previous year's World Cup tournament.
Among other awards presented during this event, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was honored with the Kopa Trophy for being the best young player. Emiliano Martinez received recognition with the Yashin Trophy as the top goalkeeper while Manchester City's Erling Haaland was acknowledged as striker of the year.
Furthermore, Manchester City was named club of the year and the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or was awarded to Spain's Aitana Bonmati.