Lionel Messi has become the first player in the world to win the prestigious “Ballon d’Or” award from the renowned French magazine, France Football, a total of 8 times. The Argentine superstar dominated the voting with a significant margin, surpassing his two younger competitors, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, in the recent race. Prior to 2021, Messi also secured his 7th Ballon d’Or, causing controversy as he surpassed Lewandowski to claim the title.
Messi has won the “Ballon d’Or” for the 8th time.
Recently, this story has suddenly become “hot” again after the latest information from the French newspaper Le Monde. According to this source, some officials from PSG attempted to “orchestrate a backstage campaign” to help the Argentine superstar win the award from France Football two years ago.
The names mentioned include the president Nasser Al Khelaifi (alias NAK), the influential figure in France – Tayeb Benabderrahmane, former police officer Malik Nait Liman, and especially Jean Martial Ribes – former communications director of PSG from 2017-2022.
Jean Martial Ribes was indicted in December 2023 for “corruption and providing unlawful services.” According to documents provided by L’Equipe and Mediapart, Jean Martial Ribes had connections with Pascal Ferre, former editor-in-chief of France Football. Ferre was responsible for organizing the “Ballon d’Or” awards at that time.
From 2020 to 2021, the former editor-in-chief of France Football received a considerable amount of money from Ribes through various channels. The main purpose of this bribery was reportedly to help Messi win the “Ballon d’Or” while playing for PSG.
Currently, authorities are delving deeper into the case to examine the extent of Al Khelaifi’s involvement. Sources suggest there is evidence of Ferre, Ribes, and “NAK” being in contact with each other. Currently, the parties involved have not officially commented on the matter.
However, suspicions seem to have grounds as PSG had the first player in history to win the Ballon d’Or France Football in 2021, and that was Lionel Messi. Afterward, the club organized a grand celebration for the Argentine superstar, alongside the then EURO champion goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
