As expected, Leo Messi has been announced for the eighth time in his career, the winner of the most prestigious individual trophy in football, the Golden Ball. The Argentinian triumphed with his national team in the World Cup in Qatar last year, and this success was the main reason for his eighth crowning as a winner.
Second in line in the official ranking for the prestigious trophy was Manchester City bomber Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker managed to win the treble in his first season with the "citizens" in England. However, it seems that Haaland's success was not enough to eclipse Messi's triumph with Argentina in Qatar. The player who is already active with Inter Miami in MLS expressed his opinion about the victory:
"To be here again and enjoy this moment is a good feeling. I won the world cup and realized my dream. I could never have imagined that I would have this career and achieve all that I have achieved. I was lucky enough to be part of the best team in history."
Meanwhile, Haaland also spoke about his successes during the last season. During the gala evening in Paris, the bomber said:
"I want to thank Manchester City. The whole club. I also want to thank my family and close people, as they made me who I am today."
Among the other awards that were handed out at the important ceremony was that of the best goalkeeper which was won by Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper of Argentina in the World Cup and Aston Villa in the Premier League. The best club for last year was announced as Manchester City, while Real Madrid talent Jude Bellingham was named the winner of the Kopa trophy, for the best player in the world under the age of 21.
