In the world of football, the Ballon d'Or is considered one of the most prestigious awards, celebrating the best players globally. However, the recent announcement of the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees has ignited heated debates, particularly regarding the exclusion of German sensation Jamal Musiala. His omission has not only raised eyebrows but has also led to public scrutiny and questions about the selection process. Musiala's national team captain, Joshua Kimmich, has been vocal in expressing his disappointment, emphasizing that the selection criteria need to be examined more closely. Despite not being recognized in this year's awards, the 21-year-old continues to shine on the pitch, demonstrating his immense talent for both club and country.
France Football, the organization behind the Ballon d'Or, has faced criticism for leaving Musiala off their 30-man list for this year's prize. This decision is particularly controversial given the strong performances Musiala has put forth in recent matches. The uproar surrounding his omission has been compounded by the absence of several other high-profile players, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the selection process.
Among those who also missed out were Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, and Real Madrid's Rodrygo, all of whom have had impressive seasons. The most shocking exclusions, however, were football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, marking a historic moment as neither made the list for the first time since 2003. This has led many fans and pundits to wonder about the criteria used for these selections and whether they reflect the true landscape of football talent today.
| Name | Position | Club | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Musiala | Midfielder | Bayern Munich | 21 |
| Joshua Kimmich | Midfielder | Bayern Munich | 28 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Midfielder | Manchester City | 32 |
| Mohamed Salah | Forward | Liverpool | 31 |
| Rodrygo | Forward | Real Madrid | 22 |
| Lionel Messi | Forward | Inter Miami | 36 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Forward | Al Nassr | 38 |
What You Will Learn
- The implications of Jamal Musiala's omission from the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
- Joshua Kimmich's reaction and the broader conversation about selection criteria.
- Notable absences from the list, including other top players and football legends.
- The impact of these omissions on public perception of the Ballon d'Or awards.
