Footballing world’s answer to the Oscars, Ballon D’Or has released its shortlist of contenders ahead of December’s lavish gala which will be organised by FIFA.
Footballing world’s answer to the Oscars, Ballon D’Or has released its shortlist of contenders ahead of December’s lavish gala which will be organised by FIFA.
The 23-man list is spearheaded by none other than the reigning winner, Cristiano Ronaldo who played a big part in Real Madrid’s décima last season as well as winning the Spanish League cup.
Moreover, club mate and former Tottenham Hotspurs winger Gareth Bale is the only British player included in the list, as well as archrival Lionel Messi, while five Premier League players find themselves on the elite list with the names of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, Angel Di Maria and Yaya Toure also making the cut.
Even as the likes of Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry take the headline, much of the debate was spent on the omission of Luis Suarez in the list. Not only the Uruguayan but a host of other noted footballers who were ignored from the elite panel of skilled footballers.
Luis Suarez
The controversial striker who had scored 31 goals in 33 League appearances for Liverpool last season has been ignored by FIFA in the race of the Ballon D’Or this year. The current Barcelona forward was an inspiration behind Liverpool’s emergence to fight for the top spot but has FIFA deleted the Uruguay striker for the ‘bite incident’ at the World Cup?
Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh wizard from Arsenal football club – Aaron Ramsey was another absentee from the list of the Ballon D’Or nominees. The Gunners’ midfield maestro was blowing away the EPL last season with some breathtaking goals and assists until an unfortunate injury during a game at West Ham. ‘Rambo’ scored the winner at the FA Cup final this year that ended Arsenal 9-year trophy hunt as well.
Arturo Vidal
Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal is another such player that is not on the list of the prestigious trophy. The Juventus player is rock solid in midfield and his eye catching displays earned him a transfer target from Manchester United.
Koke
Atletico Madrid surprised one and all last season with their triumph in the Spanish League as well as earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League Final. One such player that flourished is none other than Koke who is also a regular in the Spanish national side. Adding Andres Iniesta over Koke was a bit of partiality from the FIFA board, wasn’t it?
Mats Hummels
One of the stars in the World Cup in Brazil was German defender Mats Hummels. The Borussia Dortmund centreback was an influential figure in the heart of defence in their bid to win the major tourney and his eye catching performance attracted suitors in the form of Arsenal and Manchester United amongst many.
