Ballon d'Or 2023: Where the world's best footballers ranked

On October 30, France Football unveiled the complete rankings for the 2023 Ballon d'Or. Winner of the World Cup with Argentina, Lionel Messi was crowned for the eighth time: 'La Pulga' is carved even deeper into football's history books.

On the women's side, it was Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati, also a World Cup winner, who won the trophy for the first time in her career.

A look back at the complete ranking of the competition with the 30 nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or.

The Argentinian wrote a new page in the great football book by winning his eighth Ballon d'Or. Messi also achieved his dream of winning the World Cup with his country – a massive achievement in the twilight of his career.

The cyborg may be disappointed because he was not far from his first Ballon d'Or. At just 23 years old, and in his first season at Manchester City, the Norwegian broke all records in the Premier League. Winner of the Champions League, Premier League and responsible for 56 goals in 57 games this season, Erling Haaland has every right to feel a little slighted.

If France had won the World Cup, Kylian Mbappé would surely have been Ballon d'Or. Despite a hat-trick in the World Cup final, the Frenchman was less impressive in his season for Paris Saint-Germain which is probably why he only made it to third place on the Ballon d'Or podium.

Third last year, Kévin de Bruyne had an exceptional season with Manchester City. The champion midfielder may regret his failed World Cup with Belgium, otherwise, he would have placed much higher.

Pep Guardiola said it best: "There are no words to describe this defensive midfielder (...) There are no words to describe his impact, with or without the ball, and to what extent "He's smart with the ball. He attacks space when he sees it. He's one of the best in the world, that's for sure." The cornerstone of Manchester City has shone brightly this year. Such an effective shadow man.

The Brazilian magician climbed two places compared to last year. On fire at the start of the season and claiming of 17 goals in 45 games this season, he once again showed all his talent with Réal Madrid.

It's simple, Julian Alvarez has won everything this season: the World Cup, the Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup. All at just 23 years old, for his first season in Europe.

The Napoli serial scorer has splashed Serie A with his talent this year. With 26 goals, he led Naples to the second title in its history: an unprecedented feat.

Like Rodri, he is one of the indisputable players in Pep Guardiola's system. Decisive in big matches this year, he brought Real Madrid to the ground. An essential and vital player for Manchester City.

Despite his 38 years, he continues to be the perfect playmaker for Real Madrid. Ballon d'Or in 2018, the Croatian continued his love affair with the ceremony with a new top 10.

The 'pharaoh' had an exceptional season with Liverpool last year. If the Reds did not win anything, except the Community Shield at the start of the season, he shone with 27 goals.

The Pole took a big risk by leaving Bayern for Barça...and it paid off. La Liga winner and top scorer with 23 goals, he proved he could score in any competition, with any team.

Sparkling with Morocco in the World Cup, he also had a superb Europa League campaign to lead Sevilla to the title. A completely deserved place for an underrated goalkeeper.

Captain of Manchester City last season, he was the lifeblood of this team. Having left for Barça this summer, the German is embarking on another challenge with the Blaugrana.

The Argentine goalkeeper quite simply gave his country the World Cup thanks to his save against Randal Kolo Muani – surely the greatest save in the history of football.

16. Karim Benzema

17. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

18. Jude Bellingham

19. Harry Kane

20. Lautaro Martinez

21. Antoine Griezmann

22. Kim Min-Jae

23. Andre Onana

24. Bukayo Saka

25. Josko Gvardiol

26. Jamal Musiala

27. Nicolo Barella

28. Martin Odegaard

28. Randal Kolo Muani

30. Ruben Dias

Jude Bellingham, sparkling at the start of the season with Réal, won the Kopa trophy rewarding the best player under 21. The Englishman was all set to win the Bundesliga with Dortmund last year... a Ballon d'Or in the making.

Though Yassine Bounou is the highest goalkeeper in the Ballon d'Or list, the Yashin trophy was awarded to Emi Martinez, after his legendary World Cup.

The Socrates Trophy is given to players who have done charitable work this season and, this year, it was Vinicius Junior who won this prize with the creation of the charitable foundation, the Instituto Vini Jr., which promotes the education for disadvantaged children.