Meanwhile, Alisson Becker, Premier League champion with Liverpool, is another surprising omission. Liverpool's early exit from the Champions League likely impacted the Brazilian goalkeeper's chances.

Goalkeeper

The most notable absence in this position is Yann Sommer. Despite his team's defeat, he was nominated for the Yashin Trophy, the award for best goalkeeper. The 36-year-old Swiss goalkeeper delivered outstanding performances in last season's Champions League, especially in the two semi-final legs against Barca, and maintained consistent form throughout the season. However, Inter Milan's trophyless season cost Sommer a place on the shortlist.

Inter Milan's top center-back, Alessandro Bastoni, could also have been a contender, thanks to his consistent form and top performances, such as in the Champions League semi-final against Barca. But like his teammate Sommer, he suffered due to Inter Milan's trophyless season.

Similarly, Joshua Kimmich, 30, also played the most minutes for Bayern last season. But the German club's Bundesliga title win wasn't enough to earn him a spot on the shortlist.

Similarly, Bayern's Jamal Musiala, who scored 12 goals and was the team's second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga—after Harry Kane with 26—also missed out due to Bayern only winning the Bundesliga title.

Defenders

In defense, the center-back duo instrumental to PSG's treble-winning season, captain Marquinhos, 31, and teammate Willian Pacho, 23, were overlooked. Both were among the few European champions who played throughout the Champions League campaign but didn't make the shortlist.

In his first season in the French capital, Ecuadorian center-back Pacho contributed to PSG's impressive final performance against Inter Milan, with a crucial clearance from a corner leading to their second goal. Despite their solid performances in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League—keeping 5 clean sheets in 9 knockout matches—the PSG center-back pair were overshadowed by their more prominent attacking teammates.

Midfielders

In midfield, Federico Valverde, 27, had an excellent season. The Real Madrid midfielder played the most minutes across all competitions. He also demonstrated versatility by filling in at right-back during injuries to Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez. However, Real's failure to win any titles cost the Uruguayan a nomination.

Forwards

The forward line saw the fiercest competition for the 30 nominations. PSG's Bradley Barcola had an impressive season with 21 goals across all competitions. However, the 22-year-old Frenchman was ranked behind teammates Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among PSG's forwards.

Newcastle's Alexander Isak, 25, a reported target for Liverpool, is another notable absence. With 23 goals, he was second in the Premier League's top scorer list—behind Mohamed Salah with 29—and won the League Cup, Newcastle's first domestic title since 1955.

In Italy, several forwards also deserved consideration. Mateo Retegui, 26, Serie A's top scorer with 25 goals in 36 games, won the Europa League with Atalanta. Marcus Thuram, 28, Inter Milan's top scorer in Serie A with 14 goals, and Romelu Lukaku, 32, Italian champion with Napoli, could also have been nominated.

No Ballon d'Or conversation is complete without mentioning Messi and Ronaldo. For the second consecutive year, neither legend is on the shortlist. Eliminated from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the round of 16 with PSG, Messi, 38, continued to score regularly for Inter Miami. Meanwhile, Portugal's UEFA Nations League title wasn't enough to put Ronaldo, 40, now playing for Al-Nassr, back in contention for the award he has won five times.

Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner and Saudi Arabian champion with Al-Ittihad, is also absent.

Hoang Thong

Photo: AFP, Reuters, AP.