The list of shortlists for the Golden Globes Awards was announced last night, and almost all of them were midfielders. Only 5 defenders were selected, including 4 defenders and 1 goalkeeper. The four defenders are: Ashraf (Paris), Nuno Mendes (Paris)...
Golden Globes Awards was announced last night, and almost all of them were midfielders. Only 5 defenders were selected, including 4 defenders and 1 goalkeeper. The four defenders are: Ashraf (Paris), Nuno Mendes (Paris), Dumfries (Inter Milan), Van Dijk (Liverpool), and the only goalkeeper is Paris' Donnarumma.
Defense players have always been ignored. Cannavaro won the Golden Balls nearly 20 years ago in the last defensive position. Van Dijk, a defensive player who is expected to win the Golden Ball, is only ranked second in the highest position. Last season's triple-winning Paris, almost all of the 11 starters in the team were selected for the Golden Globes shortlist, and the only two who were not selected were double center backs Marginhos and Pacho.
Interestingly, only Van Dijk is the central defender among the four defenders selected on the list. If 11 starters are ranked in the Golden Globes 30-man list, there will be only one official central defender.
2025 Men's Golden Ball candidate list
Ashraf (Paris), Pedri (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris), Gilassi (Dotter), McAllister (Liverpool)
Rafinia (Barcelona), Yorke (Arsenal/Portugal Sports), Douai (Paris), Dumfries (Inter Milan), McTominay (Naples)
Dembele (Paris), Haaland (Manchester City), Joao Neves (Paris), Belling Um (Real Madrid), Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Salah (Liverpool), Palmer (Chelsea), Fabian (Paris), Vinicius (Real Madrid), Rice (Arsenal)
Vitinia (Paris), Mbappe (Real Madrid), Donalamma (Paris), Olisse (Bayern), Wilz (Liverpool/Leverkusen)
Yamal (Barcelona), Kvalaci Helia (Paris), Kane (Bayern), Van Dijk (Liverpool), Lautaro (Inter Milan)