Ballon d'Or 2022 nominees announcement - Lionel Messi, Neymar not on 30-man shortlist

Updated 12/08/2022 at 21:38 GMT

The shortlist for the 2022 Ballon d'Or has been revealed by France Football with Lionel Messi and Neymar missing the cut. Early favourite Karim Benzema features in the top 30 of the men's award, while three of England's Euro 2022 champions are on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or Feminins. Nominees for the best under-21 player and the world's best goalkeeper have also been revealed.

Benzema: I changed my ambitions after Ronaldo left Real Madrid

The shortlists for the various 2022 Ballon d'Or awards will be revealed on Friday afternoon as France Football holds its nominees announcement, and you can follow all the latest developments with us right here.

The French publication awards the most prestigious individual prize in football and a live show will be hosted via L'Equipe from 17:30-20:00 UK time, with the nominees for the men's and women's Ballon d'Or revealed. In addition, the shortlists will also be released for the Kopa Trophy, which goes to the best Under-21 player in the world, and the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper.

Karim Benzema is heavy favourite to claim the men's Ballon d'Or after winning the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid last season. If so, it would be his first award, and he would succeed Lionel Messi, who won the award for a record seventh time last year.

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For the women's award, England's Beth Mead is likely to be a contender having won player of the tournament and Golden Boot as the Lionesses won Euro 2022.

Live updates

22:30: See you on October 17!

We have our nominees in each category and now it is over to the judges to do their work to select the winners of the four awards.

On the night of October 17, a glitzy ceremony will take place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris to unveil the results.

If, like Lionel Messi, you're not on the guest list, then we will keep you up to date with everything you need to know.

Goodnight!

Lionel Messi

Image credit: Getty Images

22:06: What happens next?

Well, a group of 100 journalists from FIFA's top 100 nations will select their top five from the 30-man shortlist. The same process takes place with the women but with 50 journalists from different nations.

The players on each jury member’s list are awarded points, as follows:

First: Six points

Second: Four points

Third: Three points

Fourth: Two points

Fifth: One point

If two or more players are tied on points, the number of first-place votes they received is used as a tie-breaker.

Whoever gets the most points, wins!

Ballot Box

Image credit: Getty Images

21:45: Ballon d'Or - Benzema the favourite

Real Madrid, Manchester City and Liverpool lead the way in the nominations for the Ballon d'Or with six players from each club making the shortlist for this year's trophy.

Real's Karim Benzema is thought to be the favourite after overtaking Raul to be the club's second highest all-time goalscorer, as well as firing the Spanish giants to Champions League glory with hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea on their way to sealing the European title.

21:34: Ballon d'Or - Ronaldo's remarkable run

For the 17th time in a row, Cristiano Ronaldo has been shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or.

Despite a difficult season with Manchester United, the five-time winner of the trophy broke the FIFA goalscoring record to ensure he still took the headlines.

His inclusion this year, means he has been in the running every year (except for 2020 because the competition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic) since 2005.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Image credit: Getty Images

21:18: Ballon d'Or - No Messi or Neymar

While it was still a shock to see Lionel Messi, in particular, and Neymar left off the Ballon d'Or shortlist, we did have an inkling that it could happen.

Amaury Erdogan-Gutierrez had been exploring the possibility earlier this week.

In an interesting read, he questions whether the pair were deserving of a place in the top 30. Clearly, the answer was no.

Lionel Messi (L) and Neymar (R)

Image credit: Getty Images

21:01: Ballon d'Or - PSG praise

It was a strange night for PSG with two of their biggest names Lionel Messi and Neymar missing out on a place on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.

Away from that headline news, they had plenty to be happy about with Kylian Mbappe making the top 30, while Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani are in the running for the women's prize.

They also have 20-year-old left back Nuno Mendes up for the Kopa Trophy.

20:43: Ballon d'Or - Kane and Son Link Up

Tottenham's Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are a deadly duo who Premier League defenders try to keep apart, but they have even linked up once again to feature in the top 30 for this year's Ballon d'Or.

They have undoubtedly helped each other make the shortlist, after eclipsing Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard's top flight record for goal combinations earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is in the running for the Yachine Trophy.

20:20: Ballon d'Or - Messi in context

Paolo Maldini, Zinedine Zidane and Pavel Nedved. Hearing those names probably takes you back a fair way in time, right?

They were all shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or in 2005 - the last time Lionel Messi's name was missing from the nominations, before 2022 that is.

We should also not forget that the 2005 award was recognising success of the previous season - in which Messi made his senior debut.

The Argentine's omission from this year's prize brings to an end a 17 year period where he was a mainstay in the running for one of football's biggest individual prizes - winning it a record seven times.

It certainly feels like the end of an era.

Messi Ballon d'Or

Image credit: Getty Images

20:10: Ballon d'Or - Six Liverpool players included

Anything you can do etc. etc.

Liverpool have played cat and mouse with Manchester City over recent seasons, and they have managed parity with their Premier League title rivals in the shortlist, with Jurgen Klopp's squad also having six players recognised.

20:08: Ballon d'Or Feminin

2018 winner Ada Hegerberg is delighted to be back in with a chance of winning the Ballon d'Or Feminin after missing out on a nomination last year.

19:57: Ballon d'Or - Reaction

So, we now know who is in the running for the Kopa Trophy, the Yashine Trophy, the Ballon d'Or Feminin and the Ballon d'Or.

Now it is time for people to say "well done" and other nice things about the players. Let's start with Manchester City, who have six players nominated for the Ballon d'Or.

19:51: Ballon d'Or - Full list of nominees

Well, that was quite the ride!

No Messi. No Neymar.

But there is a list of 30 huge names fighting it out for the trophy.

Neymar

Image credit: Getty Images

19:42: Ballon d'Or - Mbappe and Haaland complete list

With no place for Lionel Messi or Neymar in the nominations for the Ballon d'Or, the new generation of superstars have swept in to push them aside.

Erling Haaland earns his place on the list for his phenomenal goalscoring record at Borussia Dortmund which saw him grab the attention of many clubs, with Manchester City managing to woo him to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is also on the list. Of course he is. The Ligue 1 player of the year scored 39 goals in all competitions - lovely stats.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Manchester City's Joao Cancelo and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic have also made it into the top 30.

Kylian Mbappé (PSG)

Image credit: Getty Images

19:35: Ballon d'Or - Messi Misses Out

Lionel Messi is not on the shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or prize.

After winning the award for a record seventh time last year, the Argentine has been omitted from the shortlist this time around.

Lionel Messi

Image credit: Imago

19:32: Kopa Trophy - Arsenal's Saka Pride

Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka is among the ten nominees for the Kopa Trophy - an award for footballers under the age of 21.

19:26: Ballon d'Or - Ronaldo back for more

Five time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo is in the hunt for the trophy once more after breaking the record for most goals in FIFA history, while being the only shining light in a Manchester United side who suffered their worst Premier League season.

Across Manchester, and Belgian wizard Kevin De Bruyne is nominated, as is Real Madrid playmaker and one-time winner Luka Modric.

Modric now plays with Antonio Rudiger at the Bernabeu - with the former Chelsea defender making the list, along with Borussia Dortmund's Sebastien Haller.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Image credit: Getty Images

19:16: Ballon d'Or - Mane in the mix

Sadio Mane's Africa Cup of Nations heroics for Senegal - matched by his electric performances for Liverpool ahead of his move to Bayern Munich - put him firmly in position for a high positioning in this year's race for the Ballon d'Or.

England captain Harry Kane makes the top 30, as does his international team mate Phil Foden of Manchester City.

Liverpool new-boy Darwin Nunez has made a big impact since his arrival at Anfield and his Player of the Year performances for Benfica have earnt him recognition, along with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who is also nominated for the Yachine Trophy.

Sadio Mané

Image credit: Getty Images

19:15: Ballon d'Or Feminin - Lionesses continue to roar

19:08: Ballon d'Or - Benzema and Son added

Karim Benzema is the huge favourite to be crowned the Ballon d'Or winner after he became Real Madrid's second all-time goalscorer, and hit Champions League hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea on their way to the trophy. Funnily enough, he has made the top 30.

Tottenham's Heung-Min Son - whose devastating partnership Harry Kane continues - is on the shortlist, along with Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez and Liverpool's Fabinho.

Benzema's Madrid team mate Casemiro has had a good week. He was man of the match in their Super Cup win against Eintracht Frankfurt and is now a contender for the Ballon d'Or.

Karim Benzema

Image credit: Getty Images

19:04: Ballon d'Or Feminin

If you missed the headline news from the nominations for the women's trophy, three of England's triumphant European Championship squad have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or Feminin.

Millie Bright of England celebrates following the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

18:56: Ballon d'Or - Lewandowski to win at last?

Many thought he should have been the winner last year, but after missing out to Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski is once again nominated after scoring more goals than he had appearances in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Liverpool duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz are in the top 30, while Manchester City's Bernardo Silva - who could be set to leave the Premier League champions - is also acknowledged.

Real Madrid's Champions League final matchwinner Vinicius Jr completes the first ten candidates.

Robert Lewandowski

Image credit: Getty Images

18:46: Ballon d'Or - Nominees

Here we go then! Time for the men's nominees.

Not content with already being favourite for one award, Thibaut Courtois is also listed in the top 30 for the main trophy. The Premier League's top scorer Mo Salah is included, after also providing the most assists last season, despite Liverpool falling just short of the title.

AC Milan's Rafael Leao, Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2021/22 Christopher Nkunku and Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich are all on the list.

Mohamed Salah (11) of Liverpool FC greets fans at the end of the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, France on May 28, 2022.

Image credit: Getty Images

18:40: Yachine Trophy

In all the excitement, we skipped through the goalkeepers in contention for this year's Yachine Trophy too quickly for my liking.

Real Madrid's Champions League final hero Thibaut Courtois will be the favourite to lift the trophy after being included in the top ten, but we have had a closer look at who else will be vying to win the prize.

See this year's contenders here.

18:28: Home win in Paris?

Four French internationals are in the running to win the Ballon d'Or Feminin and they will all be dreaming of lifting the trophy in their capital city at October's ceremony.

18:23: Double delight for Arsenal

In the women's category, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema have both been nominated.

18:11: Ballon d'Or Feminin - Nominees

Here is the full list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or Feminin:

Selma Bacha - Lyon
Fridolina Rolfo - Barcelona
Vivianne Miedema - Arsenal
Lucy Bronze - Barcelona
Sam Kerr - Chelsea
Christiane Endler - Lyon
Lena Oberdorf - Wolfsburg
Catarina Macario - Lyon
Alexia Putellas - Barcelona
Alexandra Popp - Wolfsburg
Aitana Bonmati - Barcelona
Wendie Renard - Lyon
Alex Morgan - San Diego Wave
Beth Mead - Arsenal
Asisat Oshoala - Barcelona
Marie-Antoinette Katoto - PSG
Millie Bright - Chelsea
Trinity Rodman - Washington Spirit
Ada Hegerberg - Lyon

Alexia Putellas, ganadora del Balón de Oro 2021

Image credit: Getty Images

18:01: Ballon d’Or Feminin - Nominees

Three of England's Euro 2022 winning side have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or Feminin with player of the tournament Beth Mead unsurprisingly included in the top 20, along with defenders Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze.

Favourite, and current holder, Alexia Putellas is nominated, as is 2018 winner Ada Hederberg, whose Champions League goals led Lyon to their eighth European title.

Lyon captain Wendie Renard is on the shortlist, while the Women's Super League player of the season Sam Kerr is in with a chance after hitting 20 goals in 20 league games.

Beth Mead

Image credit: Getty Images

17:57: Kopa Trophy - Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid are happy with the news that their player is in the top ten for the Kopa Trophy!

17:53: Yachin Trophy - Nominees

Wow! They usually drag these award do's out, but they are flying through this! On to the goalkeepers nominated for the Yachin Trophy.

They are:

Yassine Bounou - Sevilla
Alisson Becker - Liverpool
Thibaut Courtois - Real Madrid
Ederson - Manchester City
Mike Maignan - AC Milan
Edouard Mendy - Chelsea
Manuel Neuer - Bayern Munich
Jan Oblak - Atletico Madrid
Kevin Trapp - Eintracht Frankfurt
Hugo Lloris - Tottenham

17:51: Kopa Trophy

In all their glory, the ten nominees for the Kopa Trophy are:

Karim Adeyami - Borussia Dortmund
Jude Bellingham - Borussia Dortmund
Eduardo Camavinga - Real Madrid
Gavi - Barcelona
Ryan Gravenberch - Bayern Munich
Nuno Mendes - PSG
Jamal Musiala - Bayern Munich
Josko Gvardiol - RB Leipzig
Bukayo Saka - Arsenal
Florian Wirtz - Bayer Leverkusen

17:44: Kopa Trophy - Nominees continued...

After bouncing back from his penalty shootout heart ache in the final of Euro 2020, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has been recognised for his impressive form which led to him being the club's player of the season.

Joining him among the ten nominees are PSG's Nuno Mendes, RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol and Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Weltz - who became the first player under the age of 19 to score more than 10 Bundesliga goals in November 2021.

Completing the list is former Chelsea academy player Jamal Musiala, who now stars for Bayern Munich and has chosen to represent Germany instead of England at international level.

Bakayo Saka - FC Arsenal

Image credit: Getty Images

17:36: Kopa Trophy – Nominees

After a second place finish last year, England and Borussia Dortmund forward Jude Bellingham is among the ten nominees for the Kopa Trophy, along with his club teammate Karim Adeyemi.

After helping Ajax to the Eredivisie title, Ryan Gravenberch earnt himself a move to Bayern Munich this summer and is nominated, along with Barcelona's Gavi and Read Madrid midfielder Aduardo Camavinga, who helped his club win the Champions League.

Five more names to come in this category...

17:30: Here we go!

Right then, the good folk at France Football are about to start revealing the nominees. Good luck all. Hold tight.

17:00: Order of play

We'll begin by finding out who is up for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best footballer under the age of 21, then it will be on to the goalkeepers in the Yashin Trophy, before the Ballon d'Or Feminin and Ballon d'Or contenders are revealed.

So, first up are the youngsters. The stars of the future. Those who are expected to take the sport by storm in the coming years.

I would love to know if anything became of the trophy's inaugural winner from 2018...

16:40: Ballon d’Or Feminin

In the three years of awarding the Ballon d'Or Feminin, no player has placed in the top three on more than one occasion, but perhaps Alexia Putellas is waiting to buck that trend. Norway's Ada Hegerberg was the inaugural recipient in 2018, with Pernille Harder second and Dzsenifer Marozsan in third.

In 2019, there was English success, with Lucy Bronze placing second, Megan Rapinoe taking the main trophy and Alex Morgan coming third.

The current holder - and favourite to receive the prize again - is Putellas of Barcelona, while Jennifer Hermoso and Sam Kerr were behind her in the rankings last year.

16:30: One hour to go

16:15: Firsts and lasts

Lionel Messi won the men's trophy for a record seventh time in 2021, with his Copa America success with Argentina seeing him come out on top ahead of Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho.

Due to his dominance of the award, if you were asked 'who is the reigning champion?' you would probably fancy yourself to know the answer.

However, something that may come as a surprise is the first winner of the Ballon d'Or - England's very own Stanley Matthews. While playing for Blackpool, Matthews won the award by three points ahead of Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano.

If you win your pub quiz with that answer, you can thank me later.

Stanley Matthews

Image credit: Getty Images

15:45: When will we find out the winner?

Tonight is all about finding out who is in contention, so although we may get a better idea, we still will not know who the winners are.

All will be revealed, once the votes are counted, on the night of October 17, when a glitzy ceremony will take place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Ballon d'Or

Image credit: Getty Images

15:30: How does it work?

Tonight, a shortlist of 30 contenders will be revealed for the Ballon d'Or, with 20 names for the women's award. Highly respected publication, France Football, have put the lists together.

Then, 100 journalists from FIFA's top 100 nations will pick their top five, and ta-da, the player with the most points wins. Simple.

The jury are making their choices based on three main criteria; individual and collective performance from the previous season, a player’s class and their career.

15:15: Ballon d’Or – Karim Benzema

It has to be Karim Benzema who wins the 2022 Ballon d’Or. His hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea in the Champions League were heroic and his consistent form in the league too saw him become Real Madrid’s second all-time goalscorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo and, at the time, level with Raul.

Great players, past and present have said Benzema is their pick for the Ballon d’Or so it should be a formality.

15:05: Ballon d’Or – Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane was right on former Liverpool teammate Mo Salah’s tail all season, but it’s his accolades on the international stage which may put him ahead in the Ballon d’Or.

Mane scored the winning penalty in the Africa Cup of Nationals final against Egypt and it was almost a carbon copy a couple months later as Senegal beat the Pharaohs again in their World Cup qualifier.

Mane beat Salah to the African Footballer of the Year, so he could be set for second place behind the big favourite Karim Benzema.

14:55: Ballon d’Or - Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior scored the only goal in the Champions League final to break Liverpool’s hearts but it wasn’t just one match where he was brilliant, his entire 2021-22 campaign was superb.

Twenty assists, 22 goals. Not bad considering Karim Benzema will be getting all of the applause and praise. Vinicius will be close to a spot in the top three.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy after the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Matthew

Image credit: Getty Images

14:45: Ballon d’Or – Robert Lewandowski

Most people’s winner of the 2020 Ballon d’Or, which never happened because of the coronavirus pandemic, should be right in contention once again – we’re talking about Robert Lewandowski of course.

Last season, Lewandowski scored more goals than he had appearances in both the Bundesliga and Champions League – an impressive feat as he found the back of the net 50 times.

He can’t do anymore for Bayern Munich, but it probably won’t be enough to win the Ballon d’Or.

14:35: Ballon d’Or - Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah was on sensational form in the first part of the season, but wasn’t able to string together a run of games with that scintillating spark after the Africa Cup of Nations.

That said, he still ended up with the most assists and goals in the Premier League so it wasn’t all bad. Perhaps on some of the bigger moments, he could have provided Liverpool with a beacon of light as they came close to a quadruple.

14:25: Ballon d’Or – Kylian Mbappe

We start with Kylian Mbappe, the Ligue 1 player of the year who scored 39 goals in all competitions and was only let down in the Champions League when Real Madrid stunned Paris Saint-Germain.

Looking back at previous Ballon d’Or winners, you have to win the Champions League or an international competition. Mbappe hasn’t done either those things.

Again, looking at his pure performance on the football pitch, and let’s be honest a lot has happened off the pitch for Mbappe over the last 12 months, the 23-year-old continues to shine.

14:10: Ballon d’Or contenders

And finally let’s look at the contenders for the Ballon d’Or. If you want to read up on the Ballon d’Or Feminin, the Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy, keep scrolling then come back to the top when you’re done!

We’ll wait for you, don’t worry.

14:00: Nominations begin at 17:30 UK time

13:45: Ballon d’Or Feminin – Alexia Putellas

Similarly to Karim Benzema in the men's competition, Alexia Putellas is the big favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, even though she missed Euro 2022.

Barcelona won all of their league games thanks to Putellas which alone would make her a deserved victor to defend her Ballon d’Or crown.

It’s simply a question of how tough the voters will feel in terms of Putellas missing the biggest tournament of the season through her ACL injury.

Alexia Putellas of Spain poses for a portrait during the official UEFA Women's Euro England 2022

Image credit: Getty Images

13:35: Ballon d’Or Feminin – Vivianne Miedema

Vivianne Miedema has been a stalwart in women’s football, producing another solid campaign with Arsenal.

Had the Ballon d’Or award for women existed in 2017, Miedema would likely have won it. Instead, she’s just been slightly behind other players over the last few years when it’s come to the Ballon d’Or.

This year is a similar story, no silverware and a Euro 2022 marred by coronavirus which saw her miss two games. A top five maybe, but probably not a podium slot.

13:25 Ballon d’Or Feminin – Ade Hegerberg

The first women’s Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg scored in both the semi-final and final of the Champions League to give Lyon their eighth European title.

Her comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled her out for 21 months, but she made a stunning comeback and found that magic touch between her boot, the ball and the back of the net within just a few games.

13:15 Ballon d’Or Feminin – Sam Kerr

The WSL player of the year, 20 league goals from 20 games, Sam Kerr was the reason why Chelsea did the league and FA Cup double.

If Chelsea hadn’t exited the Champions League in the group stage, maybe Kerr would be up there with Putellas. Her individual performances alone though were outstanding last season.

13:05: Ballon d’Or Feminin – Wendie Renard

Wendie Renard captained Lyon to the French league and Champions League titles. It’s rare for a defender to win such a big award but Renard just continues to break the record books.

Perhaps France’s failure to reach the Euro 2022 final will be what lets Renard down, but her league form alone was excellent.

12:55: Ballon d’Or Feminin – Beth Mead

Looking purely at her league form, Beth Mead wasn’t even in contention for the Ballon d’Or Feminin before July. However, that all changed when she was THE player at Euro 2022.

Top goalscorer, most assists, player of the tournament, Euro 2022 winner. That is more than enough to fling her up the rankings and perhaps into a top three slot for this year’s award.

Mead was also Arsenal’s player of the season and created the most chances in the WSL. Can she bring the Ballon d’Or home?

Beth Mead of England celebrates with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Trophy, Player of the Tournament award and the Top Goalscorer award following victory in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany

Image credit: Getty Images

12:40: Ballon d’Or Feminin winners

The Ballon d’Or Feminin began in 2018 with three different winners since the award was introduced. That might change this year though as a certain Spanish player looks odds on to defend her crown.

2018: Ade Hegerberg

2019: Megan Rapinoe

2021: Alexia Putellas

12:25: When are the nominations announced?

Good afternoon if you’re just joining us. We’re building up to the Ballon d’Or nominations which will be revealed from 17:30 this evening.

So far, we’ve been looking at the contenders for the Yashin and Kopa trophies. We’ll do the same for the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards shortly.

Before that though, get yourself some lunch and come back here when you’re tucking into your favourite sandwich. I’m a basic ham and cheese person myself.

12:05: Kopa Trophy – Eduardo Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga’s role as a super-sub in Real Madrid’s run to the Champions League final was crucial.

Twice he replaced Toni Kroos in their matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, twice Madrid came back in thrilling fashion.

His vision and the quality of his left foot proved crucial and he was also a big part of Madrid’s relatively comfortable La Liga title win too.

11:55 Kopa Trophy – Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka responded to his heartbreaking Euro 2020 penalty shootout miss brilliantly last season for Arsenal.

He scored his first Premier League goal against rivals Tottenham Hotspur and was particularly strong in the first half of the season.

Nevertheless, he finished the campaign as Arsenal’s top scorer with 11 goals in the Premier League and won the Player of the Year award for the Gunners.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts

Image credit: Getty Images

11:45: Kopa Trophy – Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch asserted himself as a key player for Ajax side last season, playing nearly every league game as he helped then manager Erik ten Hag to the Eredivisie title.

Gravenberch is a versatile midfielder and has a great range of passing, something Bayern Munich recognised by signing him this summer on a five-year contract.

11:35: Kopa Trophy – Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz enjoyed a breakthrough season at Bayer Leverkusen as he became the first player under the age of 19 to score more than 10 Bundesliga goals in November 2021.

He produced 7 goals and 10 assists from 24 Bundesliga appearances and was also key in Leverkusen’s Europa League run.

The team badly missed him in their second leg loss to Atalanta in the Last 16 as Wirtz suffered a cruciate ligament injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

11:25 Kopa Trophy – Pedri

Defending Kopa Trophy winner Pedri should be among the nominees again, even though his last 12 months haven’t been quite as special as 2021.

A hamstring injury for the majority of the La Liga season means Pedri hasn’t had as many opportunities to showcase his talent which may give someone else a chance to win the award.

When he has played though, he was excellent, with an unbeaten record in matches he played in La Liga last season.

11:15: Kopa Trophy – Karim Adeyemi

Karim Adeyemi has recently joined Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund, but last season he was playing in the Austrian Bundesliga for Red Bull Salzburg.

He became a regular for the team and helped them reach the knockout stages of the Champions League by scoring three goals, an assists and won four penalties in the group stage.

11:05: Kopa Trophy – Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been touted as one of the best young players by the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jordan Henderson and Erling Haaland.

He made the assists for both of Dortmund’s goals in their clash with Bayern Munich in December and was the runner-up to Pedri in the Kopa Trohpy last year.

Bellingham was in the top three league-wide for duels won, sprints and intensive runs as he continued to impress at Dortmund.

10:50 – Kopa Trophy contenders

So those are the contenders for the Yashin Trophy, now let’s look at the Kopa Trophy which is named after Raymond Kopa, winner of the 1958 Ballon d’Or.

This category looks at the best Under-21 player from last season.

10:30 - Kopa Trophy previous winners

The winners of the three editions of the Kopa Trophy are:

2018 – Kylian Mbappe

2019 – Matthijs de Ligt

2021 – Pedri

Who will join them this year?

08:40 - It’s that time of the year..again!

08:30 - Which prizes are up for grabs?

In case you’re new to the Ballon d’Or or have forgotten why it’s seen as one of the highlights in the football calendar, here is what all the fuss is about.

Ballon d’Or – This is the men’s award for the best footballer over the last 12 months

Ballon d’Or Feminin – This is the women’s award for the best footballer over the last 12 months

Kopa Trophy – This is the award for the best footballer under the age of 21 over the last 12 months

Yashin Trophy – This is the award for the best goalkeeper over the last 12 months

We’ll find out the nominees for all of these prizes from 17:30 UK time today.

08:15 - Good morning and welcome!

Have you got that Friday feeling?

I hope so, but don’t worry if you don’t because today is Ballon d’Or nominations day. Hasn’t it come around quickly?

We’ll be building up to the nominations show which takes place this evening, taking you through the contenders for all the awards and the latest news ahead of the announcement. Stay tuned!

Transfers

Messi could become co-owner of Inter Miami with Beckham – Paper Round

06/04/2024 at 07:10

Football

'The moment I feel I am no longer able to perform' - Messi hints at retirement plans

27/03/2024 at 13:24

Olympic Games Paris 2024

France boss Henry warns of 'long journey' as groups drawn for Olympic football

20/03/2024 at 23:16

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