Spanish football has made a significant mark on the global stage, securing an impressive 20 nominations across various categories for the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2024.
The nominations follow Spain’s triumph in the European Championship, Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League, and FC Barcelona women’s team completing a historic treble. The awards ceremony, set for October 28, will celebrate the best in world football, and Spanish players, clubs, and coaches are well-represented.
Six Spanish players among Best Male Footballer nominees
Spain’s exceptional year is reflected in the nominations for Best Male Footballer, with six Spanish players making the shortlist. The nominees are Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Rodri (Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante), Dani Carvajal, Alejandro Grimaldo, and the rising star Lamine Yamal. These players join an illustrious list that includes global superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, as well as Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde. Remarkably, this year’s list is the first since 2003 that does not feature Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
Five Spanish women nominated for Best Female Footballer
In the Best Female Footballer category, Spain continues its dominance, with five Spanish players nominated: Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo, and Alexia Putellas. Bonmatí, the current Ballon d’Or holder, is once again the favourite to win. FC Barcelona’s women’s team has been instrumental in these nominations, with several players earning recognition for their outstanding performances. Mariona Caldentey, who moved to Arsenal this summer, was recognised for her achievements at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team.
Spanish clubs and coaches in the spotlight
In the Best European Club category, both Real Madrid and Girona are nominated, along with Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester City. Spanish excellence also extends to the coaching categories. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen), and Luis de la Fuente (Spanish national team) are among the six nominees for Best Men’s Football Coach.
For the Best Women’s Football Coach, Jonatan Giráldez, who led Barcelona to a treble last season, represents Spain as the sole nominee from La Liga F.
Other nominations
Spain’s presence is also strong in the Best Goalkeeper category, with Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia), and Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid) nominated alongside Emiliano Martínez, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and others.
In the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player, Spain’s Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal (both from FC Barcelona) have been nominated, further highlighting the nation’s footballing talent.