1. Jude Bellingham (ENG)
• Age: 19
• Club: Real Madrid
• Position: Midfielder
Bellingham has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His all-action after joining Real Madrid and his Champions League performance have caught the attention of top fans and bookmakers alike.
2. Vinicius Jr (BRA)
• Age: 22
• Club: Real Madrid
• Position: Forward
Vinicius Jr has been a revelation for Real Madrid this season. His blistering pace, skillful dribbling, and clinical finishing have played a key role in the club’s success in La Liga and the Champions League.
3. Kylian Mbappé (FRA)
• Age: 24
• Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• Position: Forward
Mbappé is a perennial Ballon d’Or contender and one of the most dangerous attackers in the world. His speed, strength, and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders.
4. Harry Kane (ENG)
• Age: 29
• Club: Bayern Munich
• Position: Forward
Kane is one of the most consistent goalscorers in the Premier League. His exceptional technical ability and predatory instincts make him a lethal threat in front of goal.
5. Toni Kroos (GER)
• Age: 33
• Club: Real Madrid
• Position: Midfielder
Kroos is a midfield maestro who dictates the tempo of games with his pinpoint passing and incisive vision. His experience and leadership qualities make him a key player for both club and country.
6. Rodri (ESP)
• Age: 26
• Club: Manchester City
• Position: Midfielder
Rodri is the anchor of Manchester City’s midfield. His ability to break up play, recycle possession, and launch attacks makes him a vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s team.
7. Phil Foden (ENG)
• Age: 22
• Club: Manchester City
• Position: Midfielder
Foden is a versatile attacking midfielder who can play anywhere across the front line. His creativity, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him a major threat to opposition defenses.
8. Florian Wirtz (GER)
• Age: 19
• Club: Bayer Leverkusen
• Position: Midfielder
Wirtz is another highly-rated young midfielder who has impressed with his performances for Bayer Leverkusen. His technical ability, vision, and goalscoring prowess have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players.
9. Lionel Messi (ARG)
• Age: 35
• Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• Position: Forward
Messi is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest players of all time. Despite his advancing years, he remains a potent attacking force, capable of producing moments of magic on the pitch.
10. Erling Haaland (NOR)
• Age: 22
• Club: Manchester City
• Position: Forward
Haaland is a goalscoring phenomenon who has taken the Premier League by storm since joining Manchester City. His physical prowess, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate make him a nightmare for defenders.
The race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or is wide open, with a number of world-class players in contention. The performances of these individuals in the coming months will ultimately determine who will be crowned the best player in the world.
