Both the Argentine and the Portuguese retained their place in the annual 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or. Chelsea and Manchester City were the big winners in terms of total representatives, with five players each nominated from both teams.
The Premier League outfit had five nominations each after previously dominating the UEFA end-of-season awards. For Chelsea, Mason Mount became the first academy player since John Terry to be nominated for the prestigious award, while his England teammate Phil Foden was shortlisted, too, after a superb season with Man City.
Spain and Barcelona star Pedri earned a nomination for his sensational year, during which he became a key player for both club and country. Pedri also received a nomination for the Kopa award for best performer under the age of 21.
Similarly, Italy’s Euro-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was shortlisted in two categories: the Ballon d’Or and the Yashin Award. The latter will be handed to the best goalkeeper of the year as voted for by the expert panel.
Barcelona women’s team was the big winner in the Ballon d’Or Femeni shortlist. Alexia Putellas, Lieke Martens, Jenni Hermoso, Irene Paredes, and Sandra Panos were all nominated for the prestigious award after a stunning Champions League-winning campaign.
Runners-up B
