Ballon d'Or betting
The Ballon d'Or is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious awards that a football player can achieve. This means that this hotly contested award is also going to feature football betting odds due to the importance of the award.
The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by French news company L'Equipe. The award began in 1956 when Blackpool's Stanley Matthews bested Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, who would go on to win the following year's award. In all the years that the award has been run, 26 different players have won the award. However, the youngest previous winner currently playing professional football is Lionel Messi.
Follow the performances of the world's greatest talent and browse the latest odds for Ballon d'Or betting at Bet UK. Odds are likely to change throughout the year as it becomes more clear who is likely to be part of the shortlist. By the end of the year, the award will be presented to the best player.
What is the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or is a prestigious award that is given to the best player in the world across a season. Ballon d'Or voting works with thousands of journalists from around the world, sending their votes in, and once they are calculated, the winner, runner-up and third place will be awarded. In the modern-day, journalists aren't the only people who can vote as now captains and coaches of national teams can also put their votes in for the winner.
2023 Betting Markets
The only betting market that we have for the 2023 Ballon d’Or is the betting market surrounding the winner of the award. In 2023, the race for the world’s best player will certainly be an interesting one, with the younger talent taking their performances to the next level and the talent of the previous generation slowly declining. Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior all look to possess unique characteristics and traits that could make them future world football stars. In Haaland, you have a quick and strong goalscoring machine. Whilst Mbappé also offers great speed, he is better on the ball, showcasing the flair and quality of his footballing nature.
With no doubt over the quality of all the players on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, a big part of their success will come down to the awards they achieve with their nations and clubs. This could be vital for the French forward after his hat-trick performance in the World Cup Final, claiming him the golden boot.
When browsing the latest Ballon d'Or odds you should consider the form of each individual for both their international and domestic performances, along with any individual or team awards they look set to achieve, as this could influence the final decision for the Ballon d'Or winner.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate Ballon d'Or history
Since 2008 when Cristiano Ronaldo first won the Ballon d'Or, the Portuguese superstar and Lionel Messi have won all but one Ballon d'Or during that period. The only exception came from 2018, in a year where Luka Modric had a solid season for Real Madrid and an exceptional World Cup campaign with Croatia, which saw them make the final of the competition despite being odds of between 30/1 and 50/1 with all bookmakers at the start of the tournament. Anyone who backed Croatia while online betting must have thought their luck had come in.
However, other than the heroics of Luka Modric, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated every year. Messi has been in the top three 13 times, while Ronaldo has been there 12 times. Between them, they have won 12 awards. Meanwhile, the next four biggest winners have a total of 11 awards. Those players are Michel Platini (3), Johan Cruyff (3), Marco Van Basten (3) and Franz Beckenbauer.
Ballon d'Or: Last Five Winners
In 2022, Karim Benzema was awarded his first Ballon d'Or win due to his potent ability in front of goal and his success during the UCL and La Liga season. Previous years has seen Lionel Messi dominate, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2021 and 2019.
The other stand-out is Luka Modric, who won the award in 2018 after his impressive performances for Croatia in the World Cup. Real Madrid stars have always been a magnet for attracting the world's best, and Ronaldo is the best example of this, a player who won his fifth award in 2017.
Ballon d'Or 2023 FAQs
How does Ballon d'Or betting work?
Odds for each player will become available throughout the year as we grow closer to the presentation. Any signals that point towards a player winning the Ballon d'Or, such as a major trophy win, would likely result in the odds being updated. You will find out who the winner is towards the back end of the year.
Which player has won the most Ballon d'Or the most?
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record seven awards. He is also the only player in history to have four Ballon d'Or wins in a row. Michel Platini is the only other player to have three wins in a row, while Cristiano Ronaldo is the only man to have won back-to-back Ballon d'Or's multiple times.
Who will win the 2023 Ballon d'Or?
As they grow older, Ronaldo and Messi look less likely to be in contention for the Ballon d'Or. However, Messi's World Cup heroics could put him in the hat for 2023. Emerging stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland could also be worth considering, with both players making impressive numbers. After winning his first Ballon d'Or, Karim Benzema would have a big challenge ahead of him to maintain those heights.
Manchester City could have a strong season in the Champions League and Premier League, potentially boosting Haaland's chances to win the award. The same could be said for PSG's main man; however, Paris Saint Germain have been known to fall short in Europe.
Which country's players have the most Ballon d'Or wins?
Despite only one Argentinian player winning the Ballon d'Or in its history. Argentina is the nation with the highest number of Ballon d'Or wins in history. Tied with three other countries, the Netherlands, Portugal and Germany, they all have seven wins apiece. However, all three other countries have at least three winners, Argentina, just need one.
Which clubs players have won the most Ballon d'Ors?
Barcelona and Real Madrid have dominated the history of the Ballon d'Or winning 24 out of 67 awards.
Which English teams have had a Ballon d'Or winner?
Only three English teams have had a player win the Ballon d'Or while playing for them, they are Liverpool, Manchester United and Blackpool.
Which English players have won the Ballon d'Or?
Four English players have won the Ballon d'Or in its history. They are: Michael Owen (2001), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Stanley Matthews (1956).
Betting on Football Specials?
Enjoy placing bets on unique events such as the Ballon d'Or? Here are some similar markets which may peak your interest.
