The Ballon d’Or is a
highly esteemed award in soccer that honors the top player globally for their
performance in the previous year. The 2023 nominations were a significant
occasion for England. Six English footballers have been nominated for the
Ballon d'Or for men, showing the increasing influence of the nation in the
sport worldwide. The nominees - Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Declan
Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer - are not just top players in their nation
but are also creating a global impact. Here is a more in-depth examination of
each of these gifted celebrities and their path to being considered for the
prestigious award.
Harry Kane: The Relentless Goal Machine
Harry Kane, England's captain and highest goal
scorer of all time, is still establishing himself as one of the top strikers
globally. Kane's Ballon d'Or nomination follows a successful season where he
achieved record-breaking performances and consistently led his teams.
Following his high-profile transfer to Bayern
Munich in 2023, Kane promptly adjusted to the Bundesliga, demonstrating his
keen football intelligence and precise scoring ability. His capacity to score
from nearly any position, whether it be a close-range tap-in or a long-distance
curler, distinguishes him from the majority of forwards. Kane's leadership,
strong work ethic, and ability to drop deep to set up opportunities for his
teammates make him extremely valuable for both his club and national team.
In his last season at Tottenham Hotspur, he
surpassed Jimmy Greaves' historic goal record, concluding his time at Spurs as
their highest goal scorer in history. Furthermore, his role as captain of
England's 2022 World Cup team solidified his reputation as a soccer great with
strong leadership skills.
Kane's selection shows his ongoing excellence and
innovation in redefining the role of a classic striker in today's soccer.
Jude Bellingham: The Midfield Prodigy
Jude Bellingham's ascent
in world football has been incredibly fast. Bellingham, who is only 20 years
old, is already considered one of the top midfielders globally, and his
transfer to Real Madrid in 2023 boosted his reputation even more. Recognized
for his calmness, foresight, and skill in dictating the pace of play,
Bellingham has been likened to legendary midfielders.
Bellingham received praise for his displays with
Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, but what really impressed was his maturity
and reliability for both his club and national team. Fans love him because he
can score goals, make assists, and control the game in midfield. In the 2022/23
season, Bellingham demonstrated exceptional leadership skills beyond his age by
serving as captain for Dortmund on certain occasions.
Ever since Bellingham joined Real Madrid, he has
smoothly become a part of one of the most challenging clubs globally, scoring
important goals and giving impressive performances in both La Liga and the UEFA
Champions League. His unwavering dedication to work, strategic thinking, and
ability to adapt to different positions in midfield have gained international
attention.
Bellingham's Ballon d'Or nomination acknowledges
his quick rise to the top of football, with numerous people thinking he will
eventually claim the prize.
Phil Foden: The Creative Maestro
Phil Foden's exceptional technical skills and
innovation make him one of the most thrilling talents to observe in global
soccer. The Manchester City playmaker has played a key role in Pep Guardiola's
tactics, playing a significant part in City's successful 2022/23 season by
helping them secure victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions
League.
Foden's skill at effortlessly getting past
defenders, finding difficult passes, and scoring important goals in important
matches has established him as a vital player for both Manchester City and the
England national team. His ability when controlling the ball, combined with his
adaptability to play in the midfield or on the flanks, has established him as a
highly versatile player in Europe.
Foden received praise from many after his
exceptional performances in City's treble-winning season, particularly in the
Champions League, where he played a crucial part in their triumph. Even though
he is up against tough competition at City, his ability to consistently make an
impact has won him the admiration of both fans and experts.
Being nominated for the Ballon d'Or is a perfect
recognition of Foden's outstanding skill, and with him being only 23 years old,
his peak years are yet to come.
Declan Rice: The Midfield Enforcer
Declan Rice has shown
remarkable progress, transitioning from a promising young talent at West Ham to
one of the top defensive midfielders globally. He was nominated for the Ballon
d'Or following a remarkable season in which he won the UEFA Europa Conference
League with West Ham and then moved to Arsenal in a high-profile transfer in
2023.
Rice's invaluable contributions to both his club
and country stem from his intelligence, composure on the ball, and effortless
ability to disrupt play. His skills as a leader while captaining West Ham and
his talent for controlling the midfield during important matches have caused
experts to compare him to some of the best midfielders in recent times.
Since he started playing for Arsenal, Rice has
elevated his performance, effortlessly adapting to Mikel Arteta's tactics. His
skills in winning the ball, along with his enhanced passing ability and ability
to score goals, have elevated him to one of the top midfielders in Europe.
Rice's nomination for the Ballon d'Or showcases
his increasing impact on the sport and his consistent high-level performance.
Bukayo Saka: The Versatile Sensation
Bukayo Saka has proven to be reliable and
adaptable in the Premier League for the past few seasons. Arsenal's standout
winger, who is capable of playing as a full-back or attacking midfielder, has
excelled under the leadership of Mikel Arteta.
Saka had his finest season in 2022/23, playing a
key role in Arsenal's push for the Premier League crown and ensuring their
qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Recognized for his swift speed,
skillful technique, and smart decision-making near the goal, Saka has become
one of the most threatening wingers globally.
His ability to handle adversity and show
maturity, especially in the aftermath of England's Euro 2020 final loss, has
earned him much praise. Saka's consistent goal-scoring and goal-creating
abilities, along with his relentless work ethic, establish him as a crucial
player for both Arsenal and England.
A nomination for the Ballon d’Or is a deserved
acknowledgement of Saka's quick ascension and his position as one of the most
promising young talents in global soccer.
Cole Palmer: The Emerging Talent
Cole Palmer, a surprising
nominee, has had a breakout year that has gained attention from football fans
globally. Palmer, a product of Manchester City's youth academy, played a
crucial role in City's season of winning three trophies, making important
contributions despite not playing many games.
Palmer's skill, style, and calmness in scoring
positions have identified him as a player to keep an eye on in the future. His
displays in cup tournaments, especially in the UEFA Super Cup, where he netted
the tying goal for City, have shown his ability to deliver in important
matches.
During the summer of 2023, Palmer transferred to
Chelsea in order to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Palmer has
impressed since he came to Stamford Bridge, demonstrating the talent that has
fans believing he could become a future star in the sport.
Although Palmer may seem inexperienced compared
to other nominees, his nomination acknowledges his great potential and
increasing influence in English football.
The Future of English Football
Having six English players nominated for the
Ballon d’Or shows the abundance of talent rising from the country. English
football seems to have a bright future ahead, as talented individuals such as
Kane, Bellingham, Foden, Rice, Saka, and Palmer are part of a new generation of
players.
Their nominations also show how English clubs
are becoming more competitive in Europe, as shown by Manchester City's treble,
Arsenal's revival, and the impact of English players at top clubs like Bayern
Munich and Real Madrid, highlighting the Premier League's quality and local
talent.
As these athletes progress and make their
presence known internationally, there is a possibility that one of them may win
the prestigious Ballon d’Or soon, strengthening England's position as a dominant
force in global soccer
Ballon d'Or nominees
Jude
Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)
Ruben
Dias (Portugal and Manchester City)
Phil
Foden (England and Manchester City)
Federico
Valverde (Uruguay and Real Madrid)
Emiliano
Martinez (Argentina and Aston Villa)
Erling
Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)
Nico
Williams (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)
Granit
Xhaka (Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen)
Artem
Dovbyk (Ukraine and Roma)
Toni
Kroos (former Germany and Real Madrid)
Vinicius
Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)
Dani
Olmo (Spain and Barcelona)
Florian
Wirtz (Germany and Bayer Leverkusen)
Martin
Odegaard (Norway and Arsenal)
Mats
Hummels (Germany, free agent)
Rodri
(Spain and Manchester City)
Harry
Kane (England and Bayern Munich)
Declan
Rice (England and Arsenal)
Vitinha
(Portugal and Paris St-Germain)
Cole
Palmer (England and Chelsea)
Dani
Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)
Lamine
Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)
Bukayo
Saka (England and Arsenal)
Hakan
Calhanoglu (Turkey and Inter Milan)
William
Saliba (France and Arsenal)
Kylian
Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)
Lautaro
Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)
Ademola
Lookman (Nigeria and Atalanta)
Antonio
Rudiger (Germany and Real Madrid)
Alejandro
Grimaldo (Spain and Bayer Leverkusen)
