At least 15 players have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or for the first time in their careers.
The organizers released a 30-man shortlist for this year’s event last week.
Half of those who made the list have never been nominated for one of football’s most prestigious personal honors.
They are:
Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain/Chelsea)
Nicolo Barella (Italy/Inter Milan)
Giorgio Chiellini (Italy/Juventus)
Ruben Dias (Portugal/Manchester City)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy/Paris Saint-Germain)
Bruno Fernandes (Portugal/Manchester United)
Phil Foden (England/Manchester City)
Erling Haaland (Norway/Borussia Dortmund)
Jorginho (Italy/Chelsea)
Simon Kjaer (Denmark/AC Milan)
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium/Chelsea)
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina/Inter Milan)
Gerard Moreno (Spain/Villarreal)
Mason Mount (England/Chelsea)
Pedri (Spain/Barcelona).
Some of these players will become regulars among the Ballon d’Or nominees for years to come.
However, for others, this could prove to be the high point of their career.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Lionel Messi, is favourite to walk away with the prize when it is handed out on November 29.
