Former Manchester United star Scott McTominai was nominated for Baron de Orle after his best season with Napoli. The midfielders lifted the title on the Italian side and played a key role in their success under Antonio Conte.
McTominay was surplus to United’s requirements 12 months ago, but scored 12 goals and offered Napoli six more assists in the dream season. It was his first Barondoor or nomination. The 28-year-old is one of many stars with links to the Premier League, selected as part of the Ballon d’Or’s long list, and the winner will be announced at the annual ceremony on September 22nd. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and new signing Victor Gyoker are among those nominated. It also includes Rice’s England teammates Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane.
Liverpool’s Premier League title winners Mohamed Sarah, Virgil van Dick and Alexis Mac Alistair were nominated in addition to signing Florian Whartz, who appeared in Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Ehringhaaland of Manchester City doesn’t have a place for Ballon d’Or Rodri last year, but he has nowhere spent most of last season with knee injuries.
European champion Paris Saint-Germain dominates nominations that include eight players. Striker Osmane Dembele and Winger’s Desire Doo are one of my favourites.
Kylian Mbappe, who left the French champion for Real Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 season, also goes to look for his first Barondoor after being nominated for the ninth time. Lamine Yamal is another contender after a notable 18-year-old season with Barcelona.
Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich teammate Michael Oris won his first pick a year after switching from Crystal Palace to £45 million.
Last year, Rodri became the first Premier League-based player to win a coveted award since Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 debut at Manchester United. Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ruled the awards in the 2010s.
Complete list of Ballon d’Or nominations: Judebelingham (Real Madrid), Osmanedembele (PSG), Gianluigidon Narmma (PSG), Desire Dou (PSG), Denzeldanfrice (Inter Milan), Serhoguairacy (Borusia Dort), Achulav Hakimi (PSG), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Kvicha Kvarazkeria (PSG), Robert Lewandowsky (Barcelona), Alexis Mac Alistair (Liverpool), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan (Inter Milan), Killian Mbupe (Napolitan) Mendes (PSG), Joao Neves (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Pedri (Barcelona), Raphinha (Barcelona), Declan Rice (Arsenal), and Fabian Ruiz (PSG).
