Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi are Ballon d'Or favorites.

Two players who have achieved great things in 2022/23.

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland lead the shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d'Or. Two players who had a tremendous season last year, both individually and for their clubs. Lionel Messi could win the Ballon d'Or for the 8th time in his career, which would be a remarkable achievement, while Erling Haaland has a chance to win this prestigious title for the first time in his career.

The stats are calculated from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, as this is the period for which the Ballon d'Or is to be judged. Therefore, Messi's stats for Inter Miami will count towards next year's Ballon d'Or.

Lionel Messi stats for both club and country 2022/23: 
40 goals
26 assists
World Cup winner (Argentina)
Ligue 1 (PSG) winner
French Super Cup (PSG) winner 

Erling Haaland stats for both club and country 2022/23:
56 goals
10 assists
Premier League winner
Champions League winner
FA Cup winner

Erling Haaland scored an impressive 53 goals for Manchester City last season, becoming the top scorer in both the Premier League and the Champions League. He also broke numerous individual and club records. He was named the Premier League Player of the Season and the Premier League Young Player of the Season. Without a doubt, he is the most dangerous striker in the world, and it would be completely deserved if he won the Ballon d'Or title.

Lionel Messi is the clear favorite to win the title due to his success at the World Cup with Argentina, where they finally clinched the championship. He was also named the best player of the tournament and had a strong season with PSG, contributing significantly to their victory in Ligue 1. The World Cup title is likely to carry the most weight when it comes to the Ballon d'Or, which is why Messi is the frontrunner. However, he will face stiff competition from Erling Haaland.