The list of 30 nominees for the next Ballon d’Or was announced yesterday. PSG is present in force with 9 representatives: Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, Fabian Ruiz, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Marquinhos, Joao Neves and Willian Pacho. We could even add a 10th with the presence of Ferran Torres, rewarded for his season with FC Barcelona, and especially his winning goal scored in the World Cup final with Spain against Argentina. In the process, the Spaniard signed for PSG.
Dembélé is the defending champion but not the big favorite for this edition, even if he is one of the 5 or 6 contenders for victory. The competition promises to be as tough as it is very open this year. Rodri seems to be a credible candidate thanks to his spectacular World Cup, while being penalized by his season with Manchester City, and the presence of another Spanish candidate: Lamine Yamal. The dispersion of votes with his teammate in the selection, and now in the club, can be fatal for both players. On the Paris side, we are betting on another map.
Kvara is honored
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may not have participated in the World Cup, his XXL Champions League campaign in the spring (10 goals and 7 assists in 16 games, decisive in all knockout matches from the second leg onwards) makes him a natural contender. “ It doesn’t depend on me (to be able to win without the World Cup). It depends on the people who decide thissays the Georgian in an interview with the Ballon d’Or organization. But being among the best players in the race is a real pleasure. In life and in football, I believe in all things. This is why today I am here at PSG and why I am very proud of that. »
If successful, last year’s 12th would become the second player in history after Kevin Keegan in 1978 to achieve this feat. Some former great players like Michel Platini and Tony Kroos have made it their favorite. “ It’s always nice when former players like them, legends, say that, that I deserve it. It’s already a pleasure when someone, even just one person on earth, thinks that you deserve the greatest individual trophy in football. It means that I’m doing my job well, and I just want to continue on this path, at the same level. We’ll see what life gives me. » Response on October 26 in London.
