The shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or, which will be revealed next month, features 30 players, including four from Arsenal.
Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba have all been recognized for their standout performances with Arsenal. Among the nominees are also top players like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodri.
Ødegaard enjoyed an impressive 2023–24 season, netting 11 goals and providing as many assists, playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham United for £105 million (€125 million) last summer, quickly established himself as a key midfielder and remains one of the world’s best, earning him a spot on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
Saka continued to impress on the wing, scoring 20 goals and providing 13 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
At just 22 years old, his role in the England national team makes his nomination expected, reflecting the recognition of his exceptional performances.
In defense, the partnership between Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba proved formidable, with Arsenal having the best defensive record in the Premier League last season. Although Gabriel was not nominated, Saliba’s place on the shortlist confirms his status as one of the world’s top defenders.
Granit Xhaka, a former Arsenal captain, has also been included on the list. He enjoyed a stellar first season with Bayer Leverkusen, securing both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal, notably overcoming Bayern Munich, who had long been at the top.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at an event in Paris on October 28, 2024.
