Frank Leboeuf has boldly stated that he would give the 2023 Ballon d’Or to Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez.
The Argentina international has just finished a first season that could could not really have gone any better.
The 23-year-old arrived at the club in a £14 million transfer from River Plate, and not a great deal was expected of him. There was hype, of course. But few really thought he would make the impact he has. Especially with Erling Haaland signing at the same time.
But Alvarez really pulled his weight in 2022/23 for City, finishing the campaign with 17 goals to his name.
He really stepped up when he took to the pitch.
He definitely played a key role in helping City to win the Treble.
And of course, who can forget, Alvarez also helped Argentina to win the World Cup in December in Qatar.
His achievements this term have been remarkable. And now, Leboeuf reckons he should land the biggest individual prize in football.
Frank Leboeuf says he’s give the Ballon D’or to Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez
At the moment, the frontrunners for the 2023 Ballon d’Or are Haaland and Lionel Messi.
Kevin De Bruyne is getting a few shouts.
And City midfielder Rodri is also someone people are mentioning as a potential candidate.
But Leboeuf made a case for Alvarez in a video for ESPN FC. He said: “Simply and honestly, I will say Alvarez. Alvarez won the quadruple! I have all the statistics. 30 games on the Premier League. Nine goals one assist. Seven games in the domestic cups, four goals two assists. One Community Shield game, one goal. 13 games for Argentina, six goals one assist. 62 games, 23 goals and six assists. Who else is the favourite? That’s it.
“He had a fantastic World Cup. I thought it was about having an impact, and you cannot deny Alvarez had an impact for Argentine, and he won titles. The guy won everything!”
Julian Alvarez had a fantastic and successful season, but he’s not a Ballon d’Or contender
Who knows if Leboeuf is being deadly serious here. He might be, since he went to the trouble of looking up Alvarez’s goal contribution numbers.
But let’s be real – Alvarez is not a Ballon d’Or contender.
Yes, he made significant contributions for both club and country. And he won an unbelievable haul of trophies.
But he hasn’t been better than Haaland, who shattered record after record in 2022/23. De Bruyne and Rodri would also be more worthy winners than Alvarez.
As would Messi, who has again posted ridiculous numbers for PSG and came in clutch in Qatar – he also won the Golden Ball.
Alvarez’s time will come though. It would be no surprise if he became a genuine Ballon d’Or contender at some point in his career.
