France football has announced its nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Award ceremony, which will take place on October 28, 2024.
3Sports assesses some key talking points you would have missed.
They’re all here!
But… who should win it? #ballondor pic.twitter.com/SrkHBrJtuI
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) September 4, 2024
Ronaldo-Messi duopoly ended
For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Messi has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, which signals the end of an era of dominance.
The pair boast 13 awards between themselves, with Messi winning the most (eight) and Ronaldo behind him (five). Ronaldo also has the most nominations (18) and Messi (16).
Well-represented
The English Premier League has the most players in the top 30 nominees (10), per current player club status. Real Madrid also have the most players (six) in the top 30, with Manchester City following closely with four.
Africa football on the rise
Mamelodi Sundowns and South African goalkeeper Ronwen William has become the first to be nominated directly from playing in the African League for the Yashin Trophy (given to the best goalkeeper).
Women’s African football flourishing
For the first time ever, two different African women, Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawai’s Tabitha Chawinga, have been nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Young but gold
At the age of 17, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal becomes the youngest player to make the top 30 nominees of the Ballon d’Or.
By Andrews Sefa Bamfo
Source:
3news.com
Source link
