The End of an Era: The Rise of New Stars in Football
The 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award has been released, and for the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo made the cut. This marks the end of an era, as the two superstars have dominated the sport for nearly two decades. With their decline, a new generation of players is rising to the top, and it’s an exciting time for football fans.
A Three-Way Race
The list is dominated by players from the European Championship finals, with seven Real Madrid players and four Manchester City players making the cut. The standout players are Spanish midfielder Rodri, Manchester City’s midfielder, and Real Madrid’s duo, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Rodri is considered the finest player in the world by City manager Pep Guardiola, and his vision and physicality make him a rare breed. Vinicius and Bellingham, on the other hand, have impressive goal-scoring records, with Vinicius netting 26 goals and plotting 11 assists in a treble-winning season.
Goalkeepers and Defenders in the Fray
Goalkeepers and defenders are underrepresented in the list, with only Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez, who played a crucial role in his country’s Copa America victory, making the cut. Defenders Ruben Dias and William Saliba are also in the running, but the odds are against them, with only three defenders having won the award in the past.
Mbappe’s Missed Opportunity
Kylian Mbappe, one of the most promising young players in the world, had a prolific season but couldn’t inspire PSG to Champions League glory. He netted 44 goals and contributed 10 assists but was lacklustre in the Euros, where France lost to Spain in the semifinal. It seems like his dreams of joining Real Madrid and winning the Ballon d’Or will have to wait.
The Future of Football
The Ballon d’Or award has traditionally been dominated by attackers, and this year is no exception. With the rise of new stars like Rodri, Vinicius, and Bellingham, it’s an exciting time for football fans. Who will take home the coveted award? Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and expert analysis as the Ballon d’Or journey unfolds!