France Football have announced the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, with three Bayer Leverkusen players—Alejandro Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka, and Florian Wirtz—all making the cut.
Their inclusion highlights the significant impact all three players have had on both the European and domestic stages, reflecting their individual brilliance and the team’s overall success.
While Xhaka and Grimaldo were both signed at the beginning of last season, they took little time integrating themselves into Xabi Alonso’s side, making an instant impact into life at the BayArena.
From left-wing back, Grimaldo scored 15 goals and registered 20 assists in a remarkable campaign for Die Werkself, earning him an inaugural call-up to the Spanish national team, where he would go on to win the 2024 European Championships.
As for the former Arsenal captain, Xhaka became the most dominant ball-playing midfielder in the Bundesliga last season, ensuring that Leverkusen remained on the front foot, creating chances, and establishing themselves as one of Europe’s most frightening opponents.
However, Florian Wirtz was the key figure for Alonso’s side last season, claiming the Bundesliga Player of the Year award with 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.
Nevertheless, these three are not the only recognised inclusions when it comes to German football; Toni Kroos, Mats Hummels, Harry Kane, and Dani Olmo were also nominated for the most converted individual award in the sport.
All four players played a pivotal role either domestically or internationally last season, whether it be Kroos at Real Madrid, Kane at Bayern Munich, Hummels for Borussia Dortmund, or Olmo in the Spanish national team.
With so many recognisable faces nominated for the Ballon d’Or, there is no debate surrounding the fact that German football enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign.
GGFN | Will Shopland
