Ballon d'Or 2023: Five players to watch out for

DH Web Desk

Lionel Messi is the frontrunner to win this year's Ballon d'Or for the eighth time, extending his record.

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Credit: Reuters

Erling Haaland, Manchester City's star striker, is among Messi's biggest challengers for the prestigious award.

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Credit: Instagram/@erling.haaland

Kylian Mbappe had a great last season with 41 goals. He was also the World Cup's top scorer with 8 goals including an incredible hat-trick in the final. Buzz has it that the French lobby is strong in favour of Mbappe and could hand him the trophy.

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Credit: Reuters

Belgian midfield wizard Kevin De Bruyne is the standout contender and can challenge Messi and Haaland for the trophy.

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Credit: Reuters

Vinicius Jr scored 25 goals and managed 26 assists in all competitions in the last season and is one of the worthy mentions.

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Credit: Instagram/@vinijr