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Last week, French Football announced the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Favorites Vinicius Jr., Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe all made the list, whereas the two most decorated players in Ballon d’Or history, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, were left off for the first time since 2003.
Ronaldo and Messi’s omission made headlines, and deservedly so. However, it was not a great shock, as both are in their twilight years and are operating outside of Europe. The shock is reserved for players who played well in 2023-24 but still could not crack the shortlist. Read on to meet five players who, we believe, should have been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
#5 Alvaro Morata – Atletico Madrid/Spain
Alvaro Morata Won The EURO With Spain
Kicking off the list is Spain and AC Milan forward Alvaro Morata. The former Real Madrid center-forward enjoyed a remarkable 2023-24 season for club and country. For Atletico Madrid, Morata featured in 48 games across competitions, scoring 21 times and providing five assists. Had it not been for Morata’s 15 goals and four assists in La Liga, Atletico would have had a difficult time qualifying for the Champions League.
Over the summer, Morata captained Spain to the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024). The forward only scored once in the tournament, but the way he led the side was praiseworthy.
#4 Julian Alvarez – Manchester City/Argentina
Julian Alvarez Snubbed For Ballon d’Or
Another shocking emission from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, Manchester City and Argentina ace Julian Alvarez had a remarkable 2023-24 campaign. Although he did not start every game, Alvarez put up decent numbers on the board for his team. He played 54 games for Man City in all competitions, scoring 19 times and 13 assists. His 11 goals and nine assists in 36 Premier League appearances went a long way in helping City clinch the title ahead of Arsenal.
Over the summer, Alvarez represented Argentina in the…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/ballon-dor-2024-top-5-snubs/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-09-10 08:35:53
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