In a historic moment for Australian football, Matildas stars Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso have earned nominations for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. This marks the first time in football history that two Australians have been shortlisted for this coveted accolade, a testament to their outstanding contributions to the sport. Sam Kerr’s nomination comes as no surprise, given her exceptional performances both at the club and national levels. Hayley Raso’s inclusion in the list, however, was somewhat unexpected but well-deserved, considering her impressive World Cup campaign and consistent excellence with Manchester City.
The Ballon d’Or Feminin, which celebrates the finest female footballers globally, features Kerr and Raso among its 30-strong roster of nominees. Kerr’s remarkable year includes clinching the English League and Cup double with Chelsea, as well as leading her country to the World Cup semi-finals, despite battling through injuries. She has consistently been a standout player on the world stage, finishing third in the Ballon d’Or voting for the past two years.
Despite her relative surprise inclusion in the list, Hayley Raso’s performance in the World Cup earned her a well-deserved nomination. Raso, now a Real Madrid winger, exhibited her prowess on the pitch during the tournament. Her rise to the top echelons of women’s football demonstrates her talent and determination.
The Ballon d’Or lists unveiled this year also highlight Lionel Messi as the frontrunner for the men’s award, poised to secure an unprecedented eighth win after his World Cup heroics. This is a remarkable turnaround for Messi, who was notably omitted from the previous year’s nominations. His influence and impact on the sport continue to be unparalleled.
Sam Kerr’s quest for the Ballon d’Or remains a compelling story, as she has consistently been among the top three players globally. Her dazzling performances, exemplified by her thunderous semi-final goal against England, have solidified her place in the elite tier of footballing talents. However, the women’s Ballon d’Or is highly competitive, with Spain’s Aitana Bonmati emerging as a strong favorite, having been named the UEFA women’s player of the year.
This year’s shortlist for the Ballon d’Or Feminin boasts six nominees from Spain, showcasing the nation’s dominance in women’s football. Notably absent is two-time winner Alexia Putellas, who missed much of the previous year due to a severe knee injury. Millie Bright, Kerr’s England teammate, joins the esteemed list of nominees.
On the men’s side, Messi’s triumphant journey with the Argentine national team is expected to secure him the coveted Golden Ball, despite stiff competition from players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. A notable absence this year is Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner, who now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, marking the end of his two-decade-long presence in Ballon d’Or nominations.
