France Football have actually revealed the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, with 3 Bayer Leverkusen gamers—Alejandro Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka, and Florian Wirtz—all making it.

Their addition highlights the substantial effect all 3 gamers have actually had on both the European and domestic phases, showing their private sparkle and the group’s general success.

While Xhaka and Grimaldo were both signed at the start of last season, they took little time incorporating themselves into Xabi Alonso’s side, making an instantaneous effect into life at the BayArena.

From left-wing back, Grimaldo scored 15 objectives and signed up 20 helps in an impressive project for Die Werkself, making him an inaugural call-up to the Spanish nationwide group, where he would go on to win the 2024 European Championships.

As for the previous Arsenal captain, Xhaka ended up being the most dominant ball-playing midfielder in the Bundesliga last season, guaranteeing that Leverkusen stayed on the front foot, developing opportunities, and developing themselves as one of Europe’s most frightening challengers.

However, Florian Wirtz was the essential figure for Alonso’s side last season, declaring the Bundesliga Player of the Year award with 18 objectives and 20 helps in all competitors.

Nevertheless, these 3 are not the only identified additions when it concerns German football; Toni Kroos, Mats Hummels, Harry Kane, and Dani Olmo were likewise chosen for the most modified private award in the sport.

All 4 gamers played an essential function either locally or globally last season, whether it be Kroos at Real Madrid, Kane at Bayern Munich, Hummels for Borussia Dortmund, or Olmo in the Spanish nationwide group.

With many recognisable faces chosen for the Ballon d’Or, there is no dispute surrounding the truth that German football took pleasure in an outstanding 2023/24 project. 

GGFN | Will Shopland