In a landmark moment for Scottish football, Real Madrid star Caroline Weir has been named on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, joining Manchester United's Scott McTominay in representing Scotland on the global stage.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who has been instrumental for both club and country, becomes one of only a handful of Scottish women ever to be nominated for the prestigious award. Her inclusion comes after a stellar season with Real Madrid, where her creativity and goal-scoring prowess have made her a fan favourite.
A Scottish Double on Football's Biggest Stage
Weir's nomination creates a rare Scottish double, with McTominay also making the men's shortlist following his impressive performances for Manchester United and Scotland. This marks the first time in over a decade that two Scottish players have been simultaneously nominated for the Ballon d'Or.
'It's an incredible honour to be nominated alongside so many amazing players,' Weir said in a statement. 'To represent Scotland on this stage is something I never dreamed of as a young girl playing football in Edinburgh.'
Weir's Rise to Stardom
The Edinburgh-born star began her professional career at Hibernian before moving to Arsenal and later Manchester City. Her 2022 transfer to Real Madrid made her one of the highest-profile British players in women's football history.
This season, Weir has:
- Scored 12 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid
- Provided 8 assists in Liga F
- Helped Scotland qualify for their first major tournament in 20 years
Her technical ability and eye for spectacular goals – including several stunning strikes from distance – have drawn comparisons to some of the game's all-time greats.
What This Means for Scottish Football
Football analysts are hailing the dual nominations as a watershed moment for Scottish football. 'This shows how far our game has come,' said former Scotland international Julie Fleeting. 'Having two players recognised at this level will inspire a generation of young Scottish footballers.'
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 30th, where Weir and McTominay will hope to make history by becoming the first Scottish winners of the award since its inception.
