Julian Alvarez (Man City)
The Argentine forward had a successful season in 2022/23. At the level of the national team, Alvarez and his teammates won the World Cup in Qatar. Alvarez has an equally impressive reputation when wearing a Manchester City shirt.
The 23-year-old forward is a member of the Premier League champion Manchester City. Alvarez has the opportunity to capture two additional prestigious titles: the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Lewandowski demonstrates a surprising ability to maintain peak form at the age of 35. With Barcelona, the Polish forward won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Lewandowski has scored 34 goals and contributed 9 assists across all competitions.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Kvaratskhelia is currently one of the best wingers in the globe. The Georgian star was instrumental in Napoli’s voyage to the Serie A championship.
Kvaratskhelia caused Napoli supporters to swiftly forget Lorenzo Insigne’s silhouette. Kvaratskhelia has 16 goals and 17 assists in all competitions this year.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Benzema is no longer the player he was a year ago. However, the French striker is still regarded as one of the world’s finest number nines. Benzema has scored 17 goals and contributed 3 assists in La Liga.
Injuries and physical insecurity have caused Benzema to fall behind his competitors. Still, he was able to win one Copa del Rey, one European Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Osimhen had a performance comparable to that of Kvaratskhelia when Napoli won Serie A. The Nigerian striker is coveted by numerous European powerhouses. Osimhen has scored 28 goals and contributed 5 assists in all competitions.
Kevin de Bruyne (Man City)
De Bruyne is a top contender for the Golden Ball Award in 2023. The Belgian midfielder performs a pivotal role in the play of Manchester City.
De Bruyne left an indelible mark on Manchester City’s voyage to the Premier League title, FA Cup final, and Champions League final. De Bruyne has ten goals and thirty assists across all competitions.
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius’s development with Real Madrid is accelerating. The Brazilian forward has erupted this season with 24 goals and 25 assists. Vinicius has won one Copa de Rey, one European Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
The French striker is currently regarded as one of the greatest assassins in football. In Ligue 1, Mbappe has 26 goals and 4 assists. Mbappe is a member of the France team that placed second in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Erling Haaland (Man City)
Haaland is a serious contender for the Golden Ball in 2023. The Norwegian forward demonstrates his goal-scoring prowess while wearing the Man City jersey. Haaland contributed significantly to the voyage of the Premier League champions.
In all competitions, the former Borussia Dortmund star scored 53 goals and added 8 assists. This season, Haaland will witness two FA Cup and Champions League finals in an attempt to win a historic treble.
Lionel Messi (PSG)
Messi is incapable of advancing PSG in the Champions League. In 2022, however, he won the World Cup with Argentina, which brought him great honor. Messi possesses 37 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. Messi is Goal’s top candidate for the Golden Ball Award in 2023.