The nominees for the 2022 Ballon d’or awards have been revealed. Man City prove dominant again as they claim one-fifth of the 30-man shortlist.
Last year was not City’s best in terms of trophy winning. The Cityzens crashed out of the Carabao Cup early and also got heartbroken in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
City also seemed to be knee-deep into the waters of the UEFA Champions League finals; one which they might have won with relative ease. This was not until Carlo Ancelotti’s men snatched away their dreams with a late comeback.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side did not lose focus and were able to hang on tightly to their Premier League lead until they secured the trophy.
Despite being unlucky last time out, Pep’s genius has been reflected again in his boys’ performance as six City players make the 2022 Ballon d’or shortlist.
There is no surprise that Kevin De Bruyne got nominated again this year. The Belgian maestro was rather unstoppable last season and was pivotal in Man City’s success story.
City’s top scorer for last season, Riyadh Mahrez also grabbed a spot in the shortlist alongside Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo. Pep’s golden boy, Phil Foden, was promoted to the senior tier of the awards this time as well as new signing, Erling Haaland.
Guardiola would be proud that shotstopper, Ederson Moraes, was nominated for the 2022 Yachine Trophy again.
It is not so shocking that recently departed Raheem Sterling was not nominated for the award this year as he did not show his regular high-flying colors last season.
Although Karim Benzima seems to be the most likely candidate to win the Ballon d’or award this year, it is a thing of joy for Guardiola and his boys to see themselves at the very top of European football ranking.