## England Players Nominated for Ballon d’Or 2024
Six players from the England national team, who helped their country reach the Euro 2024 final, have been included in the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Captain Harry Kane, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice, as well as forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, are among the contenders for the title of the best male footballer in 2024.
This recognition reflects the impressive performance of the England team in the Euro 2024 tournament. Despite their defeat in the final against Spain, these players showcased their talent, skill, and contribution to their team’s success. It is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and impact on the field.
## A New Era: No Messi or Ronaldo
In a surprising turn of events, the Ballon d’Or shortlist for 2024 does not feature Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, marking the first time since 2003 that these two football icons are absent from the nominations. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and Ronaldo, a five-time winner, have dominated the award for over a decade, but their omission this year signals a changing of the guard.
With previous winners like Karim Benzema and Luka Modric also missing from the list, the Ballon d’Or award is guaranteed to have a first-time winner. This opens the door for emerging talents and new faces to make their mark on the world stage.
## The Selection Process
The Ballon d’Or winner is determined by a jury of journalists from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. These journalists have the responsibility of evaluating the performances of the nominated players and casting their votes based on their expertise and knowledge of the game.
The inclusion of Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in the Kopa Trophy nominations, which recognizes the best young player of the year, further highlights the recognition of rising stars in the football world. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, who won the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper last year, has also been shortlisted again.
## The Contenders: A Diverse Mix of Talent
The 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or includes a diverse mix of players from various clubs and national teams. Some notable names on the list are Ruben Dias of Portugal and Manchester City, Erling Haaland of Norway and Manchester City, and Vinicius Jr of Brazil and Real Madrid.
The presence of players like Nico Williams from Spain and Athletic Bilbao, Artem Dovbyk from Ukraine and Roma, and Granit Xhaka from Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen, adds to the global representation and recognition of talent across different leagues.
## The Winners and the Ceremony
The winners of the Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy, and Yashin Trophy will be announced at a prestigious ceremony in Paris on October 28th. The event will bring together football’s finest talents and provide a platform to celebrate their achievements.
Pep Guardiola, the successful manager of Manchester City, has been nominated for the Men’s Coach of the Year award. This recognition highlights his exceptional leadership and the success he has achieved with his team in the Premier League.
## Conclusion
The nominations for the 2024 Ballon d’Or have brought forth a new wave of talent and have excluded some of football’s most iconic figures. It is an exciting time for the sport as emerging players have the opportunity to shine and make their mark on the world stage.
The recognition of the England players who contributed to their team’s success in the Euro 2024 tournament is well-deserved. Their inclusion in the shortlist reflects their exceptional performances and showcases the depth of talent within the England national team.
As the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners, the Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be a celebration of the sport and a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of the players and coaches who have made their mark in the footballing world in 2024.