Rema during his performance climbed down the stage to shake hands with the football stars in the front seat
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ace Afrobeats star and songwriter Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, put Nigeria’s name on the world map on Monday night in Paris, when he gave a beautiful performance at the Ballon d’Or 2023 event.
The award-winning singer during the event, delivered his hit song “Calm Down” with so much style and swag in the presence of football stars from all over the world.
Also present at the award were coaches, former footballers and football associations, while millions of fans stayed glued to the television set across the globe.
With the feat, the 23-year-old makes history by becoming the first Nigerian to sing at the Ballon d’Or.
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Rema, who is already a global artiste with popular songs that have a high replay value across many continents, later added color to the award when he stepped down from the stage to shake hands with the players in the front seat
Meanwhile, Inter Miami striker, Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the eighth time in his career.
He was named the winner of the prestigious prize in what many football fans and pundits see as a fitting reward for leading the Abiscelete to a World Cup triumph late last year.
Prior to the latest feat, Messi clinched the award in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
He has now extended his record for winning the grandest individual prize in football to three over long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s five.
Finishing behind the 36-year-old were European treble winner Erling Haaland and his fellow World Cup final giant, France’s Kylian Mbappe.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony took place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
