Ballon d’Or 2023: Check out full list of nominees as Messi, Mbappe, Osimhen make list

The nominees for this year's Ballon d'Or award have been announced.

The list which was released on Wednesday, September 6 saw the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Bukayo Saka, Victor Osimhen among other stars been shortlisted.

For the first time in 20 years, Cristiano Ronaldo who is a five-time holder of the award didn't meet the cut.

His arch rival Lionel Messi is favourite to clinch the prestigious award for a record 8th time in his career.

Karim Benzema is the current holder of the award.

The full shortlist includes: Josko Gvardiol, Andre Onana, Jamal Musiala, Karim Benzema, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Kevin de Bruyne, Jude Bellingham, Randal Kolo Muani, Bernardo Silva, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Emiliano Martinez, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Nicolo Barella, Martin Odegaard, Ilkay Gundogan, Yassine Bounou, Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Jr, Rodri, Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Robert Lewandowski, Kim Min-Jae, Luka Modric, Kylian Mbappe, Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane.

WDN