Lionel Messi Clinches Record 8th Ballon d'Or, Aitana Bonmati Wins Women's Prize

Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or recognizes his stellar performance at last year's World Cup; Bonmati garners women's award for leading Spain to World Cup victory and a successful season with Barcelona.

Lionel Messi receives a record eighth Ballon d’Or, recognising his exceptional performance at last year’s World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory with seven goals. He received the award at a ceremony in Paris and dedicated it to the whole Argentina team and the late legend, Diego Maradona.
Despite tough competition from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, Messi's win was well-received with many attributing his victory to his World Cup performances. Messi is now three Ballon d’Ors ahead of his closest competitor and former rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Aitana Bonmati clinches the women’s Ballon d’Or after leading Spain to a World Cup victory in Australia. She was also instrumental in Barcelona's victory in the Champions League last season and was recently named the UEFA Women's Player of the Year. This is Bonmati's first Ballon d’Or.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, who performed exceptionally this season, narrowly missed the Ballon d’Or, finishing third and second respectively. Messi, in his acceptance speech, recognized their talent and predicted their future victories.
Other notable awards include the Kopa Trophy for best player under 21 years old, won by Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the season, won by Emiliano Martinez of Argentina.