Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for the eighth time while Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati took home the women’s title for the first time.
36-year-old Messi was recognised at the ceremony in Paris after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year.
Messi won his record-extending Ballon d’Or award ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
France forward Kylian Mbappe – who became just the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick in the 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Argentina – finished third.
“It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” Messi said. “To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”
The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star added: “I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, the fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history.
“All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
Norway international Haaland scored a record-breaking 36 goals in 35 league games and hit 52 in all competitions as City won the Treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
He was recognised for his achievements with the Gerd Muller Trophy for best goal scorer.
“I want to thank Manchester City, the whole club,” said Haaland.
“I also want to thank my family and all the people around me for making me who I am today.”
The Ballon d’Or recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by 100 journalists from around the world.
As well as helping Argentina to World Cup glory, Messi also played a key role as Inter Miami won their first trophy – the Leagues Cup – and has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for the Major League Soccer side.
He has now won three more Ballon d’Or awards than anyone else, with Cristiano Ronaldo having won it five times, most recently in 2017.
The Portugal international, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, was not named on the shortlist for the first time since 2003.
Ballon d’Or top 10
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina and PSG/Inter Miami)
2. Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)
3. Kylian Mbappe (France and PSG)
4. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium and Manchester City)
5. Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)
6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)
7. Julian Alvarez (Argentina and Manchester City)
8. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria and Napoli)
9. Bernardo Silva (Portugal and Manchester City)
10. Luka Modric (Croatia and Real Madrid)
Meanwhile, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the first time.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful year as she helped her club triumph in the Spanish top flight and Champions League, and her country win the World Cup in the summer.
She was also crowned Uefa’s Player of the Year in August.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps achieved a fifth-place finish while team-mate Rachel Daly was 10th.
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Fellow Lionesses Millie Bright and Georgia Stanway were also among the nominees.
Sam Kerr of Chelsea and Australia finished second, Barcelona and Spain teenager Salma Paralluelo was third, and Fridolina Rolfo of Barcelona and Sweden finished fourth.
“I’m very proud to win the Ballon d’Or,” Bonmati said.
“Football is a collective sport so I’d like to extend this prize to my team-mates and staff.”
She added at the end of her speech in English: “Finally congratulations to the other nominees. They’re great footballers.
“As role models, we have a responsibility on and off the pitch. We should be more than athletes and keep leading by example and fighting together for a better, peaceful and equal world.”
Spain’s World Cup win was overshadowed by the fallout from Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso after the final, which she said was not consensual.
Bonmati scored three goals at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand as Spain went on to beat England in the final.
