Enlarge image
Lionel Messi at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris at the 67th Gala of the Ballon d'Or.
Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Football World Cup winner Lionel Messi has been awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the eighth time. The 36-year-old Argentine received the honour for the past season on Monday in Paris. Last year, Karim Benzema won. National team captain Ilkay Gündogan was the best German in the poll in 14th place, while FC Bayern's Jamal Musiala finished in 26th place.
In the women's event, Spanish World Champion Aitana Bonmatí received the Golden Ball as expected, following in the footsteps of her compatriot Alexia Putellas. The 25-year-old had won the World Cup title with Spain in Australia and the Champions League with FC Barcelona. German international Alexandra Popp finished seventh, Lena Oberdorf was also nominated, but missed out on the top ten.
Haaland receives Gerd Müller trophy
Norway's top striker Haaland of England's treble winners Manchester was rewarded for the first time with the Gerd Müller Trophy for the top scorer thanks to 56 goals. England international Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, who played for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga last season, came out on top in the U21 youth selection. Musiala finished second. The best goalkeeper was the Argentine Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa.
Messi won the World Cup title for the first time with the Argentine national team at the end of last year. In Qatar, the South Americans triumphed in a thrilling final against France. After his time at Paris Saint-Germain, the superstar had moved to Inter Miami in the USA in the summer.
The Ballon d'Or is not a substitute for the World Player of the Year award. This election will continue to be organised by FIFA, the world governing body. From 2010 to 2015, the World Player of the Year was awarded the Golden Ball through a cooperation between FIFA and France Football.
KTZ/dpa