The winners of the two Ballon d’Or awards – for their performances last season – will be announced at a ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
I mentioned the PSG duo there as genuine contenders for the Ballon d’Or, and that got me thinking: which other defenders have a chance?
Most people think of Virgil van Dijk, who came very close to winning it in 2019, only to fall short to Lionel Messi. The Dutchman is now 34 years old, so while he remains one of the best defenders in the world, time is running out for him.
One defender who looks poised to challenge the world’s best is Pau Cubarci. Despite being just 18, he is already a key player at Barcelona and, if he can avoid serious and long-term injuries, has the potential to become one of the game’s greatest defenders.
On the other hand, players like William Saliba and Willian Pacho are poised to remain among the top players for over a decade.
And for Seb’s statement about defenders and the Ballon d’Or, you have to go back to 2006 for the only defender to win the award in the 21st century.
That man was Fabio Cannavaro, who led Juventus to Serie A victory and then Italy to the World Cup. He was only the third defender to win the Ballon d’Or, after Germans Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.
During the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance, it was easy to understand why defensive players didn’t get a chance. But nowadays, why shouldn’t they?
Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes have had excellent recent seasons with Paris Saint-Germain and should probably be among the favorites today.
Marta’s stunning stoppage-time equalizer secured Brazil another Copa América Feminina title on August 2.
At 39, the six-time FIFA Player of the Year remains the country’s all-time top scorer (male or female), with 124 goals in 214 international matches.
A global symbol of resilience and skill, Marta’s career spanned more than two decades, including eight seasons with Orlando Pride, where she finally won the NWSL Championship last season.
From her teenage debut to record-breaking feats in the World Cup and Olympics, she has inspired generations of soccer players with her exquisite footwork and unassuming style.
Although nominated for her first Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2018, the most decorated female player in soccer history is still awaiting the special honor that serves as a reminder that her legacy goes far beyond trophies.