France Football has announced the 30 main nominees for the Golden Ball Award

The French magazine France Football has published a shortlist of 30 candidates for the most important individual trophy in football - the Golden Ball Award, which is awarded to the best player of the year. The list of nominees is posted on the award's website on September 8. Among the contenders is American Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi, who received the nomination for the 17th time in his career. According to this indicator, he is second only to Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 18 nominations. However, the Argentine remains the record holder for the most wins in the award — eight. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Erling Holland (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Lamin Yamal (Barcelona), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Rodri (Barcelona), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich), Michael Olice (Bayern Munich) and Declan Rice (Arsenal). In addition, the list includes Gabriel (Arsenal), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayo Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (PSG), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadisiya), Sadio Mane (Al Nasr), Hvicha Kvaratshelia (PSG), Ashraf Hakimi (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Joao Neves (PSG), Willian Paco (PSG), Fabian Ruiz (PSG) and Vitinha (PSG). The French PSG received the largest representation among the clubs — 10 players from this team were nominated for the Golden Ball. Four players each represent Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, three each represent Barcelona and Arsenal. Manchester City is represented by two nominees, while the other clubs are represented by one. The Golden Ball is awarded by the French magazine France Football to the best football player at the end of the year. The winner will be announced at the 70th award ceremony, which will be held in London. Last year, the award was taken by Ousmane Dembele. Yamal is also participating in the Golden Ball nomination for the third year in a row in the category of "Young Talent among Men" ("Cop's Trophy"). He has been receiving this award for the last two years. Last season, the 19-year-old won the World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona, and scored 24 goals and 18 assists in all club competitions. In addition, Russian PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was among the contenders for the Lev Yashin prize, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the year. The published list includes 10 football players. In addition to Safonov, Yassine Bunu (Al Hilal), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Joan Garcia (Barcelona), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Edouard Mendy (Al Ahly) are competing for the award. David Raya (Arsenal), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao) and Wozinha (Colo-Colo).