The Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 delivered one of the most memorable nights in modern football history. Lionel Messi won the men’s award for a record-extending eighth time, while Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí claimed her first Women’s Ballon d’Or. The 67th edition took place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, October 30, 2023. The evening also honored Jude Bellingham, Emiliano Martínez, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Manchester City, and Barcelona.

The ceremony remains heavily searched because it marked another major chapter in Messi’s career. It also created a direct debate between Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé. Messi finished first with 462 voting points, ahead of Haaland with 357 and Mbappé with 270. This guide explains when the event happened, its start time, how fans watched it live, every major winner, voting results, and how the 2021, 2024, and 2025 ceremonies compare.

Ballon d’Or Ceremony 2023 Quick Profile

The Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 was staged in central Paris at the historic Théâtre du Châtelet. Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert presented the event. L’Équipe’s official schedule placed the main ceremony at 8:45 p.m. local Paris time, following hours of rankings, red-carpet coverage, and interviews. The event crowned the leading players from the previous football season and also celebrated goalkeepers, young players, clubs, goalscorers, and humanitarian work.

When Was the Ballon d’Or Ceremony 2023?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 took place on Monday, October 30. Paris hosted the event once again, with the Théâtre du Châtelet providing the setting. L’Équipe began special programming long before the trophy presentation. Rankings from 30th through 11th were revealed during earlier coverage. Stars then arrived on the red carpet before the formal awards program began later that evening.

The timing also matters when comparing editions. The event does not always happen on the same date each year. The 2021 ceremony occurred in late November, while 2024 returned in late October. The 2025 event moved forward to September. That is why fans searching “when is the Ballon d’Or ceremony?” should always check the year rather than assuming a fixed annual date.

What Time Was the Ballon d’Or Ceremony?

For anyone asking what time is the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the main 2023 gala began at 8:45 p.m. in Paris. Because France had already moved back to standard time, that was approximately 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States. Red-carpet and ranking coverage started earlier. L’Équipe listed stars arriving from roughly 7:05 p.m., with broader television coverage beginning before the main ceremony.

Some international listings promoted earlier start times because they included pre-show coverage. For example, U.S.-focused streaming guides advised viewers to tune in from around 2 p.m. ET. The safest way to understand the schedule is simple: television and streaming coverage began earlier, while the main Paris awards presentation was scheduled for 8:45 p.m. local time.

Ballon d’Or Ceremony Live: How Fans Watched in the USA

The Ballon d’Or ceremony live broadcast was available across several markets. In the United States, international viewing guides listed Paramount+ as a streaming option. L’Équipe also provided worldwide coverage through its official platforms, including YouTube availability in several regions. French viewers could follow the complete ceremony through the L’Équipe channel.

That information is historical today because the 2023 ceremony is no longer live. Fans searching for the event now should look for official highlights, archive clips, winner announcements, and replay material. Availability can change over time. Using L’Équipe, France Football, UEFA, or official broadcasting partners remains safer than relying on old pages still carrying labels such as “watch live.”

Why Lionel Messi Won the 2023 Ballon d’Or

The biggest story from the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 was Lionel Messi winning his eighth trophy. His victory followed Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Messi played the central role in Argentina’s tournament run and finally lifted the trophy that had been missing from his international career. That achievement became a powerful part of his Ballon d’Or case.

The voting confirmed that journalists clearly favored Messi. UEFA’s published ranking gave him 462 points. Haaland finished second with 357, while Mbappé received 270. Messi’s eighth award pushed his record even further beyond every other men’s winner. France Football’s official historical list still records 2023 as Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or.

Ballon d’Or 2023 Top 10 Rankings

The men’s ranking showed how competitive the season had been. Haaland entered the debate after an extraordinary Manchester City campaign. Mbappé had also produced an elite year and a memorable World Cup final. Yet Messi remained comfortably ahead in the final vote. Kevin De Bruyne finished fourth, while Rodri completed the top five after playing a key role in Manchester City’s historic season.

The gap between third and fourth place was striking. Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé clearly formed the leading group. Their performances created three different arguments: international glory for Messi, record-breaking club scoring for Haaland, and elite individual production for Mbappé.

Aitana Bonmatí Won the Women’s Ballon d’Or

Aitana Bonmatí enjoyed a remarkable night at the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the first time. Her season included major success with Barcelona and Spain. L’Équipe highlighted her achievements across the league, Champions League, and World Cup when presenting her victory.

Bonmatí finished ahead of Sam Kerr and Salma Paralluelo. The award began a remarkable individual run for the Spanish midfielder. She later won again in 2024 and 2025, giving her three straight Women’s Ballon d’Or titles. UEFA’s historical record confirms Bonmatí as the women’s winner in each of those three years.

Full Ballon d’Or Ceremony 2023 Award Winners

The evening was much more than the two main trophies. Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player. Emiliano Martínez received the Yashin Trophy for goalkeeping excellence. Haaland claimed the Gerd Müller Trophy after his outstanding scoring season. Vinícius Júnior won the Sócrates Award for his social and charitable work. Manchester City and Barcelona received the club awards.

This spread of winners reflected a season dominated by major international and club achievements. Argentina’s World Cup success influenced several awards, while Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign was also strongly represented.

Erling Haaland’s Huge 2023 Season

Haaland did not win the main trophy, but the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 still recognized his exceptional scoring record. He received the Gerd Müller Trophy. L’Équipe reported that Haaland scored 56 goals during the relevant period, two more than Mbappé’s 54. He also helped Manchester City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

That explains why many supporters believed Haaland had a strong case for the Ballon d’Or itself. His club season was extraordinary. However, journalists ultimately placed Messi above him. The final points show the vote was competitive but not especially close. Haaland’s second-place finish remains his strongest Ballon d’Or result from that period.

Jude Bellingham and the Kopa Trophy

Jude Bellingham won another important honor during the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023. The Kopa Trophy recognizes outstanding young footballers. Bellingham had impressed with Borussia Dortmund before joining Real Madrid, and his growing international role with England also strengthened his reputation. He finished ahead of Jamal Musiala and Pedri in the young-player award.

The victory was especially meaningful because Bellingham was only 20 at the time. His development continued rapidly after arriving in Madrid. The Kopa Trophy had already been won by names such as Kylian Mbappé, Pedri, and Gavi. UEFA’s winners list confirms Bellingham as the 2023 recipient, followed by Lamine Yamal in 2024 and 2025.

Emiliano Martínez Won the Yashin Trophy

Argentina enjoyed another major success when Emiliano Martínez received the Yashin Trophy. His World Cup performances played a major role in the decision. L’Équipe specifically highlighted his tournament and decisive contribution during the final. He finished ahead of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou.

Martínez then repeated the achievement in 2024, making him the first goalkeeper to win the trophy in consecutive years. UEFA’s award history records him as the winner in both 2023 and 2024. His 2023 success also strengthened the wider Argentina theme of the night, with Messi taking the main men’s prize.

Lionel Messi Winner Profile and Biography Table

Messi’s profile made the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 historically significant. He was 36 when he collected the trophy and had moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami earlier that year. His eighth win extended a record that already placed him above Cristiano Ronaldo. Reuters’ historical record lists Messi as the winner in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

How Ballon d’Or Voting Worked in 2023

France Football used a jury of football journalists for the men’s award. L’Équipe explained that the 2023 men’s jury included 100 voters, with one journalist representing each eligible country. Their job was to evaluate the leading candidates and rank their choices. The resulting points produced Messi’s 462-point victory.

That system helps explain why the award is different from a public popularity poll. Supporters do not simply click to select a winner. Journalists assess performance and achievements before submitting ballots. This structure also creates debate every year because voters can value international tournaments, club trophies, statistics, and individual influence differently.

2021 Ballon d’Or Ceremony Compared With 2023

The 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony was held on November 29, 2021. Messi won that edition as well, giving him his seventh men’s title. UEFA recorded Robert Lewandowski in second place. The women’s award went to Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas. The 2021 event was especially notable because the trophy had not been awarded in 2020.

The comparison with 2023 shows how Messi’s legacy continued across different stages of his career. In 2021, he was associated with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain during the award period. By 2023, he had moved to Inter Miami. Yet his World Cup triumph gave him another defining achievement and another Ballon d’Or.

Ballon d’Or Ceremony 2024: What Changed?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony 2024 took place on Monday, October 28, again at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Rodri won the men’s Ballon d’Or after helping Manchester City and Spain achieve major success. Bonmatí won the women’s prize for the second consecutive year. Lamine Yamal received the Kopa Trophy, while Martínez retained the Yashin Trophy.

The 2024 edition also introduced a major organizational change. UEFA and Groupe Amaury began co-organizing the ceremony. Groupe Amaury remained owner of the Ballon d’Or brand and France Football continued overseeing the independent voting system. New men’s and women’s coach awards were also added.

When Was the Ballon d’Or Ceremony 2025?

People still searching when is the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2025 should know that the event has already taken place. The 69th edition was held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. UEFA listed the ceremony start at 9:00 p.m. Central European Time.

Ousmane Dembélé won the men’s award after his outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain. Bonmatí won the women’s trophy for the third consecutive year. Lamine Yamal received the men’s Kopa Trophy, Gianluigi Donnarumma won the men’s Yashin Trophy, and Luis Enrique took the men’s coaching honor.

Why the 2023 Ceremony Still Matters

The Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 remains important because it connected several major football stories at once. Messi’s World Cup triumph shaped the men’s award. Haaland’s historic club season created a serious rival argument. Bonmatí’s victory marked the beginning of a three-year run at the top of the women’s award. Bellingham’s Kopa Trophy also highlighted a young player who was quickly becoming one of the sport’s biggest stars.

The ceremony also captured a transition period in football. Messi had already left European club football, while younger names such as Haaland, Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinícius were becoming central figures. Looking back from 2026, the event now feels like both a celebration of Messi’s era and a preview of the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 was held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The main gala began at 8:45 p.m. local time after earlier ranking announcements and red-carpet coverage. Lionel Messi won the men’s trophy for the eighth time, while Aitana Bonmatí received her first Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Who won the 2023 Ballon d’Or?

Lionel Messi won the men’s award. He collected 462 voting points, finishing ahead of Erling Haaland with 357 and Kylian Mbappé with 270. It was Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or, extending his all-time record. His victory came after leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, one of the defining achievements of his career.

What time was the Ballon d’Or ceremony in the USA?

The main 2023 ceremony began at 8:45 p.m. Paris time, which was approximately 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States. Some streaming schedules began earlier because they included red-carpet programming, rankings, and pre-show coverage. U.S. viewers were advised by international viewing guides to begin checking coverage earlier in the afternoon.

Where could I watch the Ballon d’Or ceremony live?

For 2023, L’Équipe broadcast the ceremony in France. International streaming information also listed Paramount+ in the United States and L’Équipe’s YouTube coverage in several markets. The ceremony is no longer live, so viewers now need archive footage, highlights, or official clips. Broadcast arrangements can change each year, so current editions should always be checked separately.

When was the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2024?

The 2024 ceremony took place on Monday, October 28, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Rodri won the men’s award, while Bonmatí won the women’s prize for the second straight year. The ceremony was also the first edition jointly organized by UEFA and Groupe Amaury under their new partnership.

When was the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2025?

The 2025 edition took place on Monday, September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The ceremony began at 9:00 p.m. CET. Ousmane Dembélé won the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Bonmatí won the women’s trophy for a third straight year. The ceremony also expanded several women’s award categories.

Conclusion

The Ballon d’Or ceremony 2023 remains one of the defining football award nights of the decade. Messi secured an historic eighth trophy after Argentina’s World Cup triumph. Bonmatí began her own remarkable Ballon d’Or run, while Haaland, Bellingham, Martínez, and Vinícius also received major honors. Manchester City and Barcelona were recognized as the leading men’s and women’s clubs.

The event also provides a useful reference point when comparing later ceremonies. Rodri replaced Messi as men’s winner in 2024, while Dembélé claimed the award in 2025. Bonmatí remained dominant across all three editions. For fans revisiting football history, the 2023 night stands out because it combined Messi’s record-breaking legacy with the rise of a new generation of global stars.