Rodri joins 10 Premier League stars on Ballon d’Or shortlist as he is joined by Man City team-mates and Arsenal representatives – but there’s no Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi for the first time in 21 YEARS
The nominations for the 2024 Ballon d’Or have been revealed, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri leading the Premier League’s charge to win the coveted individual prize.
Rodri’s stunning performances for both club and country last season saw him lift a fourth Premier League title, reach the FA Cup final and win the European Championship with Spain.
10 Premier League stars were named amongst the 30 nominees ahead of the annual ceremony recognising the best male and female players in the world that will be held on October 28 at the luxurious setting of the Theatre du Chatelet in the centre of Paris.
A shortlist of 30 players was unveiled on Wednesday, that will later be narrowed down to just a handful of players who are hoping to be named the world’s best footballer.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi previously dominated the award throughout the 2010s, but haven’t been included for the first time in 21 years.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri leading the Premier League ‘s charge to win the Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jnr (left) and Jude Bellingham (right) are amongst the favourites
There is no Cristiano Ronaldo (right) or Lionel Messi (left) on the shortlist for the first time in 21 years
However, Messi isn’t expected to be in the final running for the men’s prize this time, with Rodri expected to join Real Madrid pairing Vinicius Jnr and England’s Jude Bellingham in the final shortlist.
The Real Madrid duo starred during the Spanish side’s campaign as they won the LaLiga title in dominant fashion and partnered that buy beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
32-year-old Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or after completing the season by winning multiple honours at club level and lifting the Euro 2024 title with Spain.
Amongst the Premier League’s other representatives are players from Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, but none from Manchester United.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is also amongst the nominations for the coveted title
Phil Foden is hoping to add his previous prize of winning the PFA’s Players’ player of the year award
Erling Haaland is a favourite amongst the candidates after being honoured with a second consecutive golden boot title for scoring 27 Premier League goals, while also adding another 11 strikes across cup competitions.
His team-mate Phil Foden will also be hoping to add to his PFA player of the year title and is amongst the male candidates chosen by the Ballon d’Or committee, while City defender Ruben Dias has also been included.
Cole Palmer is amongst Chelsea’s representatives for the accolade after a stunning debut season for the Blues, while Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba are also in the running.
Man United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is amongst the nominees for the Kopa trophy recognising the best player under 21-years-old from last season.
Cole Palmer is amongst Chelsea’s representatives to win the award after a stellar debut season
Man United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is amongst the nominees for the Kopa trophy recognising the best player under 21-years-old
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe has also made the shortlist after a stellar individual season with former club Paris Saint-Germain before making a dream summer switch to Real Madrid.
The shortlist for the female category recognising the best women’s player in the world has also been revealed with a host of Lionesses stars in the running.
England’s Lucy Bronze and Lauren James have been nominated for the award alongside a host of stars playing in England’s Women’s Super League and across Europe.
