The French magazine “France Football” announced the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or this Friday. The ten candidates for the best U-21 player were also unveiled – lush Bundesliga participation included.
Ten players are on the list for the so-called “Kopa Trophy”. Namely, they are Florian Wirtz (18, Leverkusen), Jamal Musiala (18, FC Bayern), Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham (18, England) and Giovanni Reyna (18, USA) as well as Nuno Mendes (19, Portugal, PSG), Mason Greenwood (20, England, Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (20, England, Arsenal), Pedri (18, Spain, FC Barcelona), Jeremy Doku (19, Belgium, Stade Rennes) and Ryan Gravenberch (19, Netherlands, Ajax Amsterdam).
Musiala became the fourth-youngest player ever to earn international caps in the DFB kit at the end of March, while Wirtz celebrated his debut in September under new coach Hansi Flick.
Both are also in today’s squad for the international World Cup qualifier against Romania.
The ten candidates at a glance:
Florian Wirtz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Midfield)
Jamal Musiala (FC Bayern, Midfield)
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund, Midfield)
Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund, Midfield)
Nuno Mendes (PSG, Defence)
Mason Greenwood (Manchester United, Forward)
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, Forward)
Pedri (FC Barcelona, Midfield)
Jeremy Doku (Stade Rennes, Forward)
Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax Amsterdam, Midfield)
