Ballon d’Or: Why Wenger Once Spoke Against Football's Top Prize As 2023 Winner Awaits

• The 2023 Ballon d'Or will be handed over to the best player in the world on October 30
• Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger once disclosed he was totally against the title
• This year, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are among the top contenders for the award

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger once expressed dissatisfaction over the biggest individual prize in world football, the Ballon d’Or.

Since 1956, France Football has handed the prestigious gong to the best player in the men’s category each year, and Lionel Messi is looking to claim his eighth award.

The Argentine has won it seven times, two more than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he could claim yet another one on Monday night, October 30.

All roads lead to the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, but the 2022 World Cup winner faces strong contention from Manchester City treble winner, Erling Haaland.

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Football

When Wenger spoke against the Ballon d'Or

In his previous comments about one of football's greatest prizes, the former Arsenal boss stated he is 'completely against' it, as he prefers those players who prioritise teamwork.

Wenger stated he was not privileged to be part of the voting process, but admitted he would not have voted should he have received such an opportunity.

He said previously, as The Guardian reported:

"I would not vote for any Ballon d’Or. I’m totally against it. I’m a team lover and a specialist of somebody who loves teamwork. I’m completely against it. I would not vote for anybody."

UK publication, 90min reports that the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner will be decided by 100 journalists from FIFA's 100 top-ranked member nations.

Each journalist makes their top five picks from the 30-man shortlist, with each ranking earning a different points value or number of votes.

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Football

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d'Or absence explained

Sports Brief earlier reported on Vincent Garcia, the chief editor of France Football, explaining Cristiano Ronaldo's exclusion from the nominees' list for the Ballon d'Or Awards.

Notably, this year will be the first time since 2004 that the Portuguese star has been absent from the roster, slated to be presented at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

While the 38-year-old will now miss out on the prestigious accolade, his long-standing adversary, Messi stands as the top contender for a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or.