Messi named Ballon d'Or winner for a record-breaking eighth time

Argentina talisman honoured again, as Man City pick up team of the year, and Jude Bellingham named best U21 starlet

WINNER: Lionel Messi claims an eighth Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris, France. Pic: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world on Monday, beating Norway's UEFA player of the year and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.

Inter Miami's Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years in Qatar last season.

England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham hopes to win everything on offer this season after being awarded the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player in the world at the awards.

Bellingham, 20, has been in ominous form with Real after joining from Borussia Dortmund during the close season, scoring 13 goals from 13 competitive matches.

"Really grateful to Dortmund for the opportunities they gave me over the years to be a leading player," Bellingham told Reuters after receiving the trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

"I took on the responsibilities quite well. It’s something I’ve been taking on since I was a little boy."

Bellingham now hopes to win the Champions League and Euro 2024 with England, who he hopes will finally claim a major trophy in modern times.

"For this season the aim is to win everything, that has to be the aim for the two biggest teams," he said.

"Definitely confident, definitely (England are) one of the favourites going into the (Euro 2024) tournament.

Spain's Aitana Bonmati was winner of the Womn's Ballon d'Or with Ireland's Katie McCabe finishing 22nd.

The 25-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a fine year for club and country - winning a league and Champions League double before playing a pivotal role in Spain's World Cup success, where she also won the Golden Ball.

Bonmati beat Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr into second place, with her Spain and Barcelona team-mate Salma Paralluelo coming third.

Two of England's players who reached the World Cup final against Spain made the top 10, with Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps fifth and Rachel Daly of Aston Villa 10th.

Manchester City were crowned the men's team of the season after Pep Guardiola's side delivered the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Meanwhile, City's Erling Haaland won the Gerd Muller Trophy for the world's top-scoring striker after hitting a record 56 goals last season.

Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin Trophy for goalkeeper of the year after his starring role in his nation's World Cup win.