French magazine France Football has unveiled the nominees for this year's prestigious Ballon d'Or, recognizing the best football players globally. A total of 30 candidates have been nominated, showcasing a diverse array of talent from various leagues. Notably, this year marks the absence of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the list, a first since 2003, signaling a new era in football excellence.
Leading the nominations is French superstar Kylian Mbappe, alongside other prominent players such as Brazilian Vinicius Junior, English sensation Jude Bellingham, and Norwegian goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland. The nominees reflect a blend of established stars and emerging talents, with players from top clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Barcelona making the cut.
In addition to the Ballon d'Or, France Football has also announced nominations for several individual awards, including the Copa award for the best young player and the Yashin award for the best goalkeeper. The event will culminate in a grand ceremony on October 28 in Paris, where the winners will be revealed, further intensifying the excitement surrounding this iconic football award.
