Ousmane Dembélé And Chloe Kelly Nominated For The Ballon D'Or

David

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Post on Aug 09, 2025

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Dembélé and Kelly: Unexpected Ballon d'Or Nominations Spark Debate

The 2023 Ballon d'Or nominations have landed, sending shockwaves through the football world with the inclusion of two surprise contenders: Ousmane Dembélé and Chloe Kelly. While the usual suspects like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland dominate the headlines, the nominations of these two players ignite a crucial conversation about the evolving landscape of football awards and the recognition of diverse contributions to the beautiful game.

This year's nominations represent a significant shift. While the Ballon d'Or has historically favored players with prolific goal-scoring records, the inclusion of Dembélé and Kelly highlights a growing appreciation for other crucial aspects of the game. This is a welcome change for many football fans who believe that the award should reflect a more holistic view of a player’s impact on their team's success.

Ousmane Dembélé: Beyond the Goals

Ousmane Dembélé's nomination is undoubtedly a testament to his transformative season with FC Barcelona. While his goal contributions might not match those of some of his more prolific counterparts, his impact on Barcelona's attacking play was undeniable. His electrifying pace, mesmerizing dribbling skills, and pinpoint crosses were instrumental in Barcelona's La Liga triumph. He wasn't just a goal scorer; he was a game-changer, unlocking defenses and creating opportunities for teammates. His contributions went beyond mere statistics, embodying the often-unquantifiable aspects of elite football performance.

• Key contributions: Exceptional dribbling, crucial assists, unlocking defenses, and pivotal role in Barcelona's La Liga win.

The nomination acknowledges the evolving understanding of a player's value. It suggests that the Ballon d'Or is finally beginning to recognize the multifaceted roles within a winning team, moving beyond the traditional focus solely on goals.

Chloe Kelly: A Lioness's Roar

Chloe Kelly’s nomination is even more groundbreaking. Her inclusion marks a significant step towards greater gender equality in football awards. Kelly, a key member of England's triumphant Women's European Championship team, cemented her place in football history with her stunning extra-time winner against Germany in the final. Beyond that iconic goal, Kelly consistently demonstrated her attacking prowess and tireless work rate throughout the tournament.

• Key contributions: Match-winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, consistent attacking threat, crucial contributions to England's tournament success.

Her nomination isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about recognizing the growing popularity and skill level of women's football. It's a powerful statement, signaling a broader shift towards greater inclusivity and recognition of female athletes on the global stage.

The Future of the Ballon d'Or?

The nominations of Ousmane Dembélé and Chloe Kelly represent a turning point for the Ballon d'Or. They demonstrate a willingness to move beyond traditional metrics and embrace a more holistic assessment of a player's overall contribution to their team's success. This could signal a future where the award reflects a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of football excellence, celebrating both men's and women's football equally.

This evolution is not without its critics. Some argue that the award should still primarily focus on goals and assists. However, the inclusion of Dembélé and Kelly represents a progressive shift, reflecting the changing dynamics of the sport and the expanding definition of what constitutes a world-class player. It will be fascinating to see how the voting unfolds and whether this trend towards a more comprehensive evaluation continues in future years. Are you excited about this potential shift in the Ballon d'Or criteria? Share your thoughts in the comments below!