Louis Vuitton create trunks for Ballon d'Or trophy as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and others prepare for awards ceremony

Louis Vuitton has unveiled its specially crafted trunks for the 2023 Ballon d'Or trophy, with players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe seen as favorites to win.

These bespoke trunks have the signature monogram canvas and first-of-its-kind gold-painted V motif. According to the French luxury icon (via WWD), these cases for the Ballon d'Or are:

“Further proof that ‘Victory Travels in Vuitton’ and another landmark in [its] continuing history of creating bespoke travel cases for the world’s most iconic trophies."

The stage is set in Paris for Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony and there is much anticipation over who will seize football's most coveted individual award this year.

Lionel Messi recently added a World Cup to his already brimming trophy cabinet. Despite relocating to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami last summer, the Argentine's numbers remain impressive as he has racked up 11 goals in 14 games.

Manchester City's juggernaut striker Erling Haaland has been a revelation since joining the Cityzens. The Norwegian spearheaded City's legendary treble run last season, with a staggering 61 goal contributions in 53 appearances. It's hardly a surprise that he is seen as a potential recipient of the award.

While many believe this trophy will one day be his to lose, Kylian Mbappe faces an uphill battle this year against Lionel Messi. The French sensation has already amassed a World Cup, and last year in Qatar, he dragged France to the final, where he scored a hat-trick. His case for the Ballon d'Or is hardly speculative.

However, it is uncertain who the winner could be, as other players like Rodri and Vinicius Junior are also contenders.

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Victor Osimhen joins elite contenders like Lionel Messi, sets sights on future Ballon d'Or glory

In the midst of the discourse focusing on Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, Victor Osimhen has also only secured a spot among the 30 illustrious nominees. Notably, the Nigerian marksman helped Napoli to win the Serie A title against all odds last season.

Osimhen aspires to claim football's highest individual honor. During an interview with Mario Balotelli's Twitch Channel, Vox to Box on TV Play, he revealed (via Daily Post):

“If one day I could get closer to win it, that would be more than a dream come true for me. Just playing at this level is already amazing for me. If it comes, it comes."

Regardless of the outcome, the Nigerian forward's inclusion on the shortlist signals his arrival as one of football's biggest talents.