Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmatí are set to steal the spotlight at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, as they headline the nominees for the men’s and women’s categories. With a minimum word count of 300-400, we bring you the latest news from Forever Sports Online on this exciting event.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is the favorite to clinch the prestigious award once again. His exceptional performance led Argentina to World Cup glory, where he scored an impressive seven goals during the tournament. The Argentine superstar’s skills and contributions have undoubtedly catapulted him to the forefront of this year’s race.
Joining Messi on the men’s shortlist are several notable names including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka. Haaland, in particular, had a remarkable season with Manchester City, scoring an astonishing 52 goals. The Norwegian sensation joins a total of seven players from his club who have made it to the prestigious list.
Surprisingly, this year’s men’s list does not feature Cristiano Ronaldo, marking the first time since 2003 that the Portuguese superstar has not been included. Ronaldo’s omission has left fans and experts buzzing with speculation as to why he did not make the cut.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí from Spain is considered the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. Bonmatí played a significant role in Spain’s triumph as they clinched their first-ever World Cup title, with the talented midfielder earning the player of the tournament accolade. Another Spanish player, Olga Carmona, who scored the winning goal in the final against England, has also been nominated for the prestigious award.
The women’s list also showcases other outstanding players, such as Spain’s Patricia Guijarro, Mapi Léon, Salma Paralluelo, and Alba Redondo. England’s Rachel Daly, Georgia Stanway, Millie Bright, and Mary Earps are also among the notable contenders for the prize.
The winners of the Ballon d’Or awards will be announced at a thrilling ceremony in Paris on 30 October. Football fans around the world eagerly await this momentous event, where the best footballers from both genders will be celebrated for their extraordinary talents and accomplishments.
Stay tuned to Forever Sports Online for all the latest updates and insights on the Ballon d’Or awards and don’t miss out on the excitement as the winners are finally revealed.
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