Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, alongside six England players and current Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. This surprise nomination comes after Xhaka’s move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023, ending his seven-year stay at Arsenal. Despite some turbulent moments during his time at Arsenal, including being stripped of the captaincy, Xhaka revitalized his career under Mikel Arteta and played a crucial role in the Gunners’ 2022/23 season. Since joining Leverkusen, Xhaka has continued to flourish, winning the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup with the team, as well as leading Switzerland to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
The inclusion of Xhaka on the Ballon d’Or shortlist is a testament to his impressive performances and contributions on the pitch. It also highlights the recognition he has received for his achievements at both club and international level. Xhaka’s nomination is well-deserved, considering his consistent performances and leadership qualities.
Xhaka is not the only Arsenal player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or. He is joined by his former Arsenal teammates Martin Odegaard and William Saliba, as well as Bukayo Saka. This emphasizes the talent and potential that Arsenal possesses, with multiple players being recognized for their contributions to the sport.
In addition to the Arsenal players, six England players have also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or. This further demonstrates the strength and depth of talent within the England national team. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden have all been acknowledged for their performances and impact on the field.
It is worth noting that this year’s Ballon d’Or nominations do not include Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, marking the first time since 2003 that these two football icons have not been nominated for the prestigious award. This opens up the opportunity for other talented players to be recognized and celebrated for their achievements in the sport.
The Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will take place on Monday, October 28th. It will be a highly anticipated event, as football fans around the world eagerly await the announcement of the winner. The inclusion of Granit Xhaka and other Arsenal and England players on the shortlist adds an exciting element to the ceremony, highlighting the talent and skill within these teams.
Overall, Granit Xhaka’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the sport. It is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and skill on the field. As football fans, we eagerly await the awards ceremony to see who will be crowned the winner, and to celebrate the achievements of all the players who have been nominated.