Four Arsenal players Nominated for 2023/24 Ballon d’Or.

The annual prize largely regarded as the game’s most prestigious individual award, sees journalists from across the world cast their votes to crown the best player. It has been presented to males since 1956, while the women’s award has been in place since 2018.

Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, William Saliba, and Declan Rice—have been included on the prestigious 30-man shortlist for the 2023/24 Ballon d’Or. This recognition highlights their exceptional performances and contributions to both their club and international teams over the past season.

Bukayo Saka’s inclusion comes as no surprise to those who have followed his meteoric rise. The young winger has been a revelation for Arsenal, consistently delivering match-winning performances. His pace, creativity, and ability to score crucial goals have made him a fan favorite. Saka’s versatility, playing effectively on both wings and even as a wing-back, has been instrumental in Arsenal’s success. His performances for the England national team have further solidified his reputation as one of the brightest talents in world football.

Martin Ødegaard’s vision and creativity have been pivotal in Arsenal’s midfield. The Norwegian playmaker has dazzled fans with his precise passing, dribbling skills, and ability to unlock defenses. Ødegaard’s leadership qualities have also shone through, often wearing the captain’s armband and guiding the team with maturity beyond his years. His contributions have not only been in creating goals but also in scoring them, making him a complete midfielder.

William Saliba’s inclusion on the shortlist is a testament to his defensive prowess. The French center-back has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defense, combining physicality with excellent ball-playing abilities. Saliba’s calmness under pressure and ability to read the game have made him a key figure in Arsenal’s backline. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the best defenders in the world, and his potential seems limitless.

Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal has been nothing short of transformative. The English midfielder has brought stability, strength, and tactical intelligence to the team’s midfield. Rice’s ability to break up opposition play, distribute the ball effectively, and contribute to both defense and attack has made him an invaluable asset. His leadership on and off the pitch has also been crucial in Arsenal’s resurgence.

The inclusion of Saka, Ødegaard, Saliba, and Rice on the Ballon d’Or shortlist is a testament to Arsenal’s progress under their current management. It reflects the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level. For Arsenal fans, this recognition is a source of immense pride and excitement for the future.

As the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the Ballon d’Or winner, the presence of these four Arsenal stars on the shortlist is already a significant achievement. It demonstrates their brilliance and the collective strength of a team on the rise.

BALLON D’OR 2024 NOMINEES.

Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid/England
Ruben Dias – Man City/Portugal
Phil Foden – Man City/England
Federico Valverde – Real Madrid/Uruguay
Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa/Argentina
Erling Haaland – Man City/Norway
Nico Williams – Athletic Club/Spain
Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen/Switzerland
Artem Dovbyk – Girona/Roma/Ukraine
Toni Kroos – Real Madrid/Germany
Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid/Brazil
Dani Olmo – RB Leipzig/Barcelona/Spain
Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen/Germany
Martin Odegaard – Arsenal/Norway
Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund/Roma/Germany
Rodri – Man City/Spain
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich/England
Declan Rice- Arsenal/England
Vitinha – PSG/Portugal
Cole Palmer – Chelsea/England
Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid/Spain
Lamine Yamal – Barcelona/Spain
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal/England
Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter/Turkey
William Saliba – Arsenal/France
Kylian Mbappe – PSG/Real Madrid/France
Lautaro Martinez – Inter/Argentina
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta/Nigeria
Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid/Germany
Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen/Spain