Shaw joins football’s elite with Ballon d’Or nomination, Messi and Ronaldo omitted

Jamaican football sensation Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has made the prestigious shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, joining an elite group of 30 players in the running for the coveted award, cementing her place among the world’s best after a remarkable season with Manchester City.

The prolific Jamaican striker earned her spot on the shortlist following a stellar season with Manchester City, where she netted 21 goals in just 18 appearances in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Shaw’s impressive tally, which surpassed her 20-goal haul from the previous season, secured her the WSL Golden Boot for the 2022-23 season. Although a broken foot cut her season slightly short, Shaw still dominated the awards circuit, picking up the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year honors, making history as the first black woman to claim both awards.

Ceremony on October 28

Shaw is joined on the shortlist by her Manchester City teammates Yui Hasegawa and Lauren Hemp, along with last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, Aitana Bonmati. The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football magazine, will be presented at a ceremony on October 28 at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris.

Since joining Manchester City two and a half seasons ago, Shaw has become the club’s all-time leading scorer, achieving the feat in March with her 68th goal in 81 appearances. She has since increased her tally to 72 goals, solidifying her status as one of the most dominant forwards in women’s football.

While Shaw celebrates her place among the nominees, the football world was taken aback by the exclusion of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the men’s Ballon d’Or list. This marks the first time since 2003 that neither of the two global icons, who have won a combined 13 Ballon d’Ors, made the final cut.

Men’s nominees

Among the men’s nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or are rising stars and established talents like Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.

- Advertisement -

The women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist also features a host of elite players, including Barbra Banda, Lucy Bronze, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Trinity Rodman, among others.

As the anticipation builds toward the October ceremony, Shaw’s inclusion in this elite group underscores her incredible journey and rise to global football stardom.