In a stunning development for the football world, Barcelona's dynamic duo Ousmane Dembélé and teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal have been officially nominated for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or award. The announcement comes alongside the surprising revelation that two-time winner Alexia Putellas has withdrawn from contention.
The French publication France Football, organisers of the esteemed award, confirmed the 25-man shortlist on Monday, featuring some of the most electrifying talents in world football. Dembélé's inclusion follows his impressive performances for Paris Saint-Germain last season, while 16-year-old Yamal's nomination comes after his breathtaking breakout year for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Women's Category Shake-up
In the women's competition, current holder Aitana Bonmatí heads the nominations as she seeks to defend her title. However, the biggest shock comes from her Barcelona Femení teammate Alexia Putellas, who has surprisingly removed herself from consideration despite being fully fit and available.
This unexpected move marks a significant shift in the women's Ballon d'Or landscape, potentially clearing the path for Bonmatí to secure back-to-back victories or opening opportunities for other contenders to claim football's most coveted individual prize.
Youth Revolution
Lamine Yamal's nomination at just 16 years old represents one of the youngest ever inclusions in Ballon d'Or history. The Spanish winger has taken European football by storm with his mature performances and record-breaking achievements, becoming an undisputed starter for both club and country.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé's recognition comes after his €50 million move from Barcelona to PSG, where he contributed significantly to the Parisian club's domestic campaign before representing France at Euro 2024.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 28th at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where football's elite will gather to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the past season. With unexpected withdrawals and emerging talents, this year's Ballon d'Or promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
