Final week, French Soccer introduced the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Favorites Vinicius Jr., Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe all made the checklist, whereas the 2 most embellished gamers in Ballon d’Or historical past, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, have been left off for the primary time since 2003.
Ronaldo and Messi’s omission made headlines, and deservedly so. Nevertheless, it was not an important shock, as each are of their twilight years and are working outdoors of Europe. The shock is reserved for gamers who performed effectively in 2023-24 however nonetheless couldn’t crack the shortlist. Learn on to satisfy 5 gamers who, we consider, ought to have been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
#5 Alvaro Morata – Atletico Madrid/Spain
Kicking off the checklist is Spain and AC Milan ahead Alvaro Morata. The previous Actual Madrid center-forward loved a exceptional 2023-24 season for membership and nation. For Atletico Madrid, Morata featured in 48 video games throughout competitions, scoring 21 occasions and offering 5 assists. Had it not been for Morata’s 15 targets and 4 assists in La Liga, Atletico would have had a tough time qualifying for the Champions League.
Over the summer time, Morata captained Spain to the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024). The ahead solely scored as soon as within the match, however the way in which he led the facet was praiseworthy.
#4 Julian Alvarez – Manchester Metropolis/Argentina
One other surprising emission from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, Manchester Metropolis and Argentina ace Julian Alvarez had a exceptional 2023-24 marketing campaign. Though he didn’t begin each sport, Alvarez put up respectable numbers on the board for his crew. He performed 54 video games for Man Metropolis in all competitions, scoring 19 occasions and 13 assists. His 11 targets and 9 assists in 36 Premier League appearances went a good distance in serving to Metropolis clinch the title forward of Arsenal.
Over the summer time, Alvarez represented Argentina within the 2024 Copa America. He scored twice in 5 video games as La Albiceleste defended their continental crown.
#3 Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool/Netherlands
Liverpool fell brief final season, failing to win the Premier League, Europa League, or the FA Cup. The Reds, nonetheless, didn’t end and not using a trophy, with them snatching the Carabao Cup at Chelsea’s expense. Additionally they completed third within the Premier League rankings and certified for the UEFA Champions League.
Virgil van Dijk was integral to every little thing the Reds did final season. He stood like a rock on the again, serving to his crew maintain their very own towards expert attackers. He additionally confirmed his adventurous facet, chipping in with necessary targets. The Dutchman, who additionally reached the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final together with his nation, performed 48 video games for the Reds in all competitions, scoring 4 occasions.
#2 Mohamed Salah – Liverpool/Egypt
Liverpool didn’t win something large final season, however that was not for a scarcity of attempting on Mohamed Salah’s half. The Egypt worldwide was simply the Reds’ greatest ahead in all competitions within the 2023-24 season, not solely scoring glorious targets but additionally popping up with key assists.
The 32-year-old, who’s within the last 12 months of his contract at Liverpool, performed 44 video games for the membership in all competitions. He scored a team-best 25 occasions and offered 14 assists. With such stats, Salah deserved to characteristic on the 30-man shortlist for Ballon d’Or 2024.
#1 Rodrygo – Actual Madrid/Brazil
Actual Madrid and Brazil ahead Rodrygo was simply probably the most surprising omission from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist. The gifted winger performed effectively all through the 2023-24 season, chipping in with 17 targets and 9 assists in 51 appearances throughout competitions. His targets and assists helped Los Blancos win La Liga in addition to the UEFA Champions League.
Rodrygo’s omission has stirred up a little bit of controversy, with Brazil legend Neymar calling him the most effective gamers on the planet. The 23-year-old has additionally been vocal, saying he ought to have been on that unique checklist.
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