Ballon d’Or 2023: Victor Osimhen Names His Pick From Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe

• The Ballon d’Or 2023 ceremony is slated for Monday, October 30, and Victor Osimhen has named his choice of the winner
• Despite being among the 30 nominees for the coveted prize, the Nigerian international does not see himself winning
• According to the Napoli forward, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland deserve the 2023 Ballon d’Or

Nigerian international, Victor Osimhen has suggested that Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland deserve the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

There is speculation in the media that the prestigious prize will be handed to the Argentine legend, but Osimhen says that the Norwegian also deserves the honour.

The Napoli of Italy striker is among the 30 nominees for this year’s award after leading the Italian club to the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades.

He scored 26 league goals for the Partenopei to also win the Golden Boot in the Italian topflight last season.

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The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday night, October 30, but the former Lille of France striker does not see himself winning.

According to him, Messi and Haaland are the clear favourites. He said, via Soccernet:

“I think the two people that are sure to win it are Haaland and Messi.

“They both deserve it, they had an amazing season. Messi won the World Cup, Haaland won the treble.”

The award ceremony will take place in Paris next Monday. If Messi wins the award, it will be a record eighth title for him.

Aitana Bonmati is the overwhelming favourite to win the Women's Ballon d'Or and take over from her teammate Alexia Putellas.

Drogba tips Bellingham, Vinicius for Ballon d’Or

Sports Brief earlier reported that Didier Drogba confidently forecasted potential Ballon d'Or triumphs for two of Real Madrid's prominent players.

The ex-Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker envisioned a scenario where, over the course of the next five years, the Ballon d'Or rankings could prominently feature talents hailing from the Spanish capital club.

Expressing his belief, the 45-year-old highlighted Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior as strong contenders capable of securing the highly coveted individual accolade in the realm of football excellence.