10. Emi Martinez
Emiliano Martinez, basking in the glory of Argentina’s World Cup triumph, holds the distinction of being the second goalkeeper on this list. Martinez, who started in 36 matches for Aston Villa last season, managed to secure 11 clean sheets and made 98 saves.
While these statistics might not be extraordinarily remarkable, Martinez’s inclusion in the list is well-deserved, primarily due to his outstanding display in Qatar last year, notably in the final against France, where he demonstrated exceptional resilience despite conceding three goals.
9. Bernardo Silva
The 29-year-old Portuguese midfielder has secured his third nomination for the Ballon d’Or, having been previously nominated in 2019 and 2022. Silva played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumphant season, contributing significantly to their treble-winning campaign.
His impact on City’s success was evident, as he notched four goals and provided five assists in 34 Premier League matches. Despite being an integral part of Man City’s squad that achieved remarkable success, he lands in the ninth position on the list, facing tough competition from many of his talented teammates.
8. Julian Alvarez
Another standout from Manchester City, this 23-year-old had a sensational 2022-23 season.
Playing a vital role in Argentina’s World Cup-winning team in Qatar, Alvarez also played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s remarkable treble-winning season, which included triumphs in the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup.
Notably, Alvarez achieved a unique distinction by becoming the first player to win both the World Cup and the treble in a single season. In the Premier League, he showcased his prowess with 11 goals and one assist in 35 appearances, capping off a truly exceptional season.
7. Rúben Dias
Rúben Dias, the Portuguese defender for Manchester City, is a name that comes as no surprise on the Ballon d’Or list. He is undoubtedly one of the most deserving nominees.
At 26 years old, Dias played a starring role for City in 26 matches and kept seven clean sheets. His contributions have been instrumental in Manchester City’s recent success, and he rightfully claims the seventh spot on this list.
6. Martin Odegaard
Arsenal came tantalizingly close to clinching the title last season, and a key figure in their campaign was the Norway international captain, Martin Odegaard.
The 24-year-old midfielder showcased his resilience and became a decisive factor in numerous matches. Odegaard made a significant impact, featuring in 27 games, and impressively netting 15 goals while providing seven assists.
As a former Real Madrid player, Odegaard’s role in Arsenal’s success last season, along with securing a UEFA Champions League qualification, earns him a well-deserved sixth place on this list.
