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Ballon d’Or 2022 Nominations: The Big Misses

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Ballon d'Or trophy

 

France Football announces the prestigious 2022 Ballon d’Or nominations on August 12th, with the ceremony to be hosted in Paris on October 17th. The announcement included a 20-player shortlist according to the latest criteria.

This year’s criteria have changed, with the shortlist being chosen based on performance over the previous season (August 1st 2021, to July 31st 2022). Previously, the Ballon d’Or was determined based on performance throughout a calendar year. The other thing to note is that many players have missed the Euros due to injury or other reasons. Hence, making it more challenging to pick a clear winner. 

However, the nominations sparked outrage amongst many with the non-inclusion of many names. Here are some players that should’ve made the final shortlist, according to us. 

Please note that the list is subjective. 

 

Caroline Graham Hansen: FC Barcelona/Norway

Caroline Graham Hansen has lost out on the nomination for the second time. Many people were surprised that she was not nominated for the Ballon d’Or last year after her fantastic performance with Barcelona during the 2020-21 season. This year has again surprised many, given her performance at the club level. Norway failed to impress in the Euros on a global scale. However, with Graham Hansen regarded as one of the top wingers in the world, her exclusion from the shortlist is perplexing.

 

Keira Walsh: Manchester City/England

Keira Walsh’s absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist is one of the most shocking. Walsh, who had a fantastic summer campaign at the Euros, has been a defensive rock in the midfield with her dominant presence. One might even argue that England’s midfield would not have been able to compete in difficult games without her presence. Walsh also recovered from injury to become one of Manchester City’s most consistent players. Simply said, she is one of those players whose absence on the field is evident. That is how well she performs on the field.

 

Lina Magull: FC Bayern Munich/Germany

Lina Magull, who is regarded as one of the top offensive midfielders, was noticeably absent. The German international has played an important role in the national team’s success. At the club level, the player is just as important. Nobody can deny Magull’s ingenuity, skill, or midfield dominance. Many people have been perplexed as to why Lina Magull was not included on the final Ballon d’Or shortlist despite her outstanding performance.

 

Maria Leon: FC Barcelona/Spain

Mapi Leon, widely recognised as one of the top defenders, was overlooked for another Ballon d’Or candidacy. Mapi’s 20/21 season performance was remarkable, as was Caroline Graham Hansen’s. She was a terrific defensive back with some of the most amazingly well-timed tackles. Her goal versus Real Madrid in the UWCL home leg at Camp Nou was sensational. Her omission from the shortlist has piqued the attention of some, and for a good cause.

 

Tabea Wassmuth: VfL Wolfsburg/Germany

In the 21/22 season, having an outstanding showing at the UWCL, scoring the most goals in the group stages,  Tabea Wassmuth was also left off the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Domestically, Wassmuth has been crucial for Wolfsburg in light of the injuries to Ewa Pajor and Alex Popp. Wassmuth has impressed throughout the season with her calm composure, ruthlessness in front of goal, pace, and clinical finishing, despite not playing as much at the Euros. Wassmuth scored twice against Chelsea in the rematch during the group stage. Her outstanding performance propelled Wolfsburg to the UWCL quarterfinals.

 

Patri Guijarro: FC Barcelona/Spain

Patri, like Keira Walsh, is one of those players who does her job so well on the pitch that her absence is obvious. The defensive midfielder is critical to the midfield of both Barcelona and Spain. Her versatility on the pitch and flawless midfield leadership is impressive and undervalued. She also had a fantastic Euro. She is underappreciated for her ability to control the midfield, command the tempo, and absolute dominance of the pivot position that she offers the team. Patri Guijarro, without a doubt, should have been named to the shortlist.

 

Written by Unnati Naidu

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