The list of nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or has been officially revealed.
Last year, the prestigious award was picked up by Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema after he enjoyed a stellar season.
In the last decade and more, the Ballon d'or award has been largely dominated by both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are often regarded as the two best players to ever play the game.
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The Argentine has won seven whilst Ronaldo has five. Messi is currently the favourite to clinc an eighth trophy after he led Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory in Qatar.
On Wednesday evening, France Football announced the top 30 nominees for this year’s award.
The usual suspects such as Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah are all nominated whilst there were some newer names such as Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala and Julian Alvarez.
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However, fans have been left unimpressed by the fact that Manchester City defender John Stones failed to make the cut.
One said: “Where is John Stones??? What the hell?”
Another tweeted: “John Stones not being nominated is a crime.”
A third fan added: “How was John Stones not nominated, but Harry Kane was??? ARE WE JUST NO.”
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Someone else wrote: “I’m twitching where is John Stones.”
Whilst a fifth commented: “How are you not nominating John Stones the best defender in the world???”
Another fan said: “Best defender for Manchester City during a Treble winning season. Performed well for England during the 2022 World Cup. How is it possible that John Stones did not make the top 30 for the Ballon d’Or?”
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Stones is currently recovering from a hip injury that he suffered during City’s pre-season tour.
Speaking about his progress, City assistant manager Juanma Lillo said: “John [Stones] is more or less there, as well. We're fine, we're okay. It's not decisive.”
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Ballon d'Or, Football, Fan Reactions, John Stones
