Seven FC Bayern Munich players have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or awards. The jury announced the shortlists on Wednesday, as reported by Süddeutsche Zeitung. Sueddeutsche Sport first reported the story.
In the men's category, four Bayern professionals are on the 30-player list. They include striker Harry Kane, wingers Luis Díaz and Michael Olise, and centre-back Dayot Upamecano. For Bayern, it is the first time in ten years that four players have been nominated simultaneously. Club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen called it an "impressive premiere". Their chances of winning the team award are considered slim, with Paris Saint-Germain seen as the favourite.
Who are Bayern's most promising candidates?
Harry Kane is Bayern's most prominent candidate. The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 competitive matches last season and led his national team to the World Cup semi-finals. "The Ballon d'Or is the greatest individual honour you can achieve, and the Ballon d'Or is not in my hands." said Kane. Manager Vincent Kompany is also nominated for the award. Bayern Munich is the only German club represented in both team award categories, for men and women.
How did the Bayern women fare?
In women's football, Klara Bühl is the only German player on the shortlist. The winger was a key figure in the successful double-winning season of the Bayern women. Her teammates Pernille Harder and Momoko Tanikawa are also among the 30 nominees. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger of Gotham FC completes the German contingent. The women of FC Barcelona are clear favourites for the team award.
What other awards are relevant?
In addition to the main prize, the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper and the Kopa Trophy for the best young talent are also awarded. Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel is nominated for the Yashin Trophy, as is Vozinha, the World Cup hero from Cape Verde. From the Bayern youth ranks, Lennart Karl made the shortlist for the Kopa Trophy. The award ceremony will take place on October 26 in London.
What is Bayern's current situation?
The nominations come as FC Bayern is shaping its squad for the challenges ahead. The team is preparing for the second half of the Bundesliga season, where they continue to fight for the top of the standings. Injury problems, documented on the injuries list, remain a challenge for manager Kompany. The next milestone on the calendar is the Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach on September 19.
