Highlights

  • Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for a record eighth time, solidifying his status as one of football's greatest legends.
  • Erling Haaland finished second in the vote, despite his impressive achievements with Manchester City last season.
  • The race for the Ballon d'Or is wide open, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi past their prime and potential for new contenders like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to emerge.