Who has won the Ballon d’Or more times, Messi or Ronaldo?

The 2023 Ballon d’Or gala is to take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday 30 October 2023 with Messi expected to win the men’s award.

The eyes of the footballing world will be firmly fixed on the French capital on Monday night with the 2023 Ballon d’Or gala set to take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

In addition to the men’s and women’s Ballons d’Or prizes, a number of other awards are to be presented at the gala. They include the Kopa Trophy, for the best under-21 men’s player, and the Yashin Trophy, for the best men’s goalkeeper.

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who starred for Spain as they clinched their first ever World Cup this summer in Australia, is tipped to will her first her first ever Ballon d’Or and the men’s award seems to be a three horse race with one clear favourite.

In the men’s category, Lionel Messi seems set to add to his collection of seven Ballon d’Or trophies on Monday as the current MLS star appears set to be rewarded for leading Argentina to their first World Cup in 36 years.

The Rosario native bagged seven goals at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and after the Albiceleste were stunned in their Lusail opener falling to Saudi Arabia (2-1), Messi led the way to the delight of the thousands of Argentine fans who made the trip to the Gulf to see the South American side add to their 1978 and 1986 triumphs.

Messi bagged his first Ballon d’Or win back in 2009 when playing for FC Barcelona. The next eight years saw the award being divided between the Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo with Messi scooping the award again in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Messi scooped his further three awards in 2015, 2019 and in 2021.

With Leo Messi leading the way in Ballon D’Or wins, Portuguese striker Ronaldo is the second most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history with five titles won from 2008 to 2017.

Four of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or awards came during his time at Real Madrid (2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017) with his first arriving following a sensational year with Premier League giants Manchester United in 2008.

For the first time since 2003, the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist of 30 players failed to include Ronaldo with the Madeira born native now playing his club football with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.