The prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris crowned Manchester City's Rodrigo Hernández Cascante (Rodri) and FC Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí as the world’s best footballers of the year. Held on October 28, the ceremony added another remarkable chapter to the storied history of football’s most coveted individual honor.
Rodri’s outstanding performances, including his pivotal role in Manchester City's historic treble-winning season, earned him the Ballon d'Or for the best male player. Meanwhile, Bonmatí’s dominant displays for Barcelona and Spain, which saw her lead her national team to victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, secured her the top honor in women’s football.
Both winners received their awards in custom-made Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunks, continuing the luxury house's partnership with France Football, with UEFA's support for this year’s edition. These bespoke trunks, handcrafted at Louis Vuitton's Asnières workshops, feature the iconic Monogram canvas and uniquely designed "V" panels in gold paint, symbolizing "Victory" and "Vuitton."
In a ceremony that blended footballing achievement with high fashion, Bonmatí wore a stunning white cady and silk dress with knot detailing, adorned with gray rhinestones, and paired it with black satin sandals. She accessorized with a Pico GO-14 and High Jewelry Galaxie Monogram earrings set with princess-cut diamonds. Young PSG star Warren Zaïre-Emery, a Friend of the House, arrived in a classic black single-breasted tuxedo, complete with matching bow tie and trousers.
The Ballon d'Or Trophy Trunks showcase Louis Vuitton’s heritage of craftsmanship, with signature brass corners, locks, and clasps that have been part of the house's designs for over 160 years. The trunks’ interiors feature a drawer and black microfibre lining embroidered with the Ballon d'Or logo.
While the night’s fashion and luxury offerings were certainly a highlight, the Ballon d'Or itself remains the evening’s focal point. This annual ceremony, organized by France Football since 1956, honors the world’s best footballers and recognizes excellence across multiple categories, including the Kopa Trophy for best young player, the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, and the Müller Trophy for top scorer. The 2023 edition reached a global audience of 5.4 billion people on social networks, underlining the significance of this event in the sporting calendar.
The collaboration between Louis Vuitton and the Ballon d'Or underscores the luxury house’s deep connection to elite sports, reinforcing their motto, “Victory Travels in Louis Vuitton.” It is a perfect marriage of athletic achievement and fine craftsmanship, celebrating not only the players' skill but the timeless craftsmanship that accompanies their success.
