Ballon d’Or 2019 shortlist LIVE result: Neymar misses out on nomination as Messi and Ronaldo lead list
Follow the latest news as the 2019 Ballon d’Or nominees are announced today
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lionel Messi will have Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk as rivals for the 2019 Ballon d'Or award. But not Neymar.
When the long list of 30 candidates was announced Monday — in the city where Neymar has played for more than two years at Paris Saint-Germain — the Brazil star's name was missing from the nominations by a global voting panel of journalists.
Messi and Ronaldo's 10-year grip on the individual award organized by France Football magazine was broken by Luka Modric last December.
Modric is also absent one year after he swept the Ballon d'Or and FIFA best player awards after a stellar 2018 with Real Madrid and Croatia.
World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe is favored to add a Ballon d'Or to her FIFA award won last month.
The United States star is joined on a 20-woman list by teammates Tobin Heath and Alex Morgan. Defending her title is Ada Hegerberg, winner of the inaugural women's award, from Europe's dominant club team Lyon which has six nominees.
Neymar has twice placed third in Ballon d'Or voting, both times finishing behind Messi and Ronaldo. Moving out of Messi's shadow in Barcelona, where they won a Champions League title together in 2015, has not delivered the personal acclaim Neymar sought.
Messi won his sixth FIFA award last month, edging Van Dijk who starred in Liverpool's Champions League-winning team.
Van Dijk would be the first defender topping the poll since Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
The Liverpool center back was among seven teammates nominated, including Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino. They also won the Copa America with a Brazil team that managed without an injured Neymar.
Van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum also figured in the five nominees from a resurgent Netherlands team. No Dutch player has won since Marco van Basten in 1992.
Liverpool forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are among a six-strong African challenge, including Mane's Senegal teammate, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The only Asian player on the list is South Korea forward Son Heung-min of Champions League finalist Tottenham.
The awards ceremony is Dec. 2 in Paris.
AP
When is the 2019 Ballon d'Or?
The ceremony will take place on December 2 2019.
Where is it held?
The 2019 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place at the Theatre du Chatelet, in Paris.
When will the shortlist be announced?
France Football will announce their 30-man shortlist this evening.
They will announce 5 players to make the shortlist every 15 minutes from 5pm.
The Ballon d'Or may once again be between a familiar duo. So here's a podcast on which of Messi and Ronaldo should be deemed the greatest player of the 21st century:
Arthur
Established at the Nou Camp and integrated into the Brazil side, where he played a key role in the Copa America triumph. Presents a scarily good midfield for the future in Barcelona alongside Frenkie De Jong.
Luka Modric
The reigning Ballon d'Or holder is still oozing class, yet he's certainly on the other side of the mountain now. The Croatian is still capable of shining at the highest level, though.
Angel Di Maria
Established himself as a key player for Paris Saint-Germain since joining the club from Manchester United in 2015. Has been a standout performer for the Ligue 1 champions over the last year, and could be the man to guide them to a long-awaited success in the Champions League.
The shortlist will be announced at 5pm, so just an hour to go now.
Will there be any surprise inclusions? And will Modric miss out entirely having won last year's Ballon d'Or?
Antoine Griezmann
As consistent as ever for Atletico Madrid before his summer move to Barcelona, where he has started the season impressively, scoring four goals and providing three assists in eight La Liga appearances.
Luis Suarez
There have been suggestions that Suarez, now 32-years-old, is past his best, but he remains unerringly prolific. He scored 25 goals in all competitions last season as Barcelona secured another La Liga title.
Kalidou Koulibaly
A rock at the back for Napoli and one of Europe’s most well-rounded defenders. Has been repeatedly linked with big money moves to the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments