Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been left off the nominees list for this year's men's Ballon d'Or, paving the way for a new champion.
Leading the nominations are Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who are part of a group of six English players recognised for their outstanding performances.
The shortlists were revealed on Wednesday evening, with the winners set to be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.
Bellingham earned his nomination following a remarkable debut season with Real Madrid, where he played a crucial role in England's journey to the Euro 2024 final.
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Joining Bellingham on the 30-player list are fellow English stars Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Kane, who made a significant impact in his first season at Bayern Munich by scoring 44 goals despite failing to win any silverware.
Early favourites for the award include Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Manchester City’s Rodri.
The list also features a strong representation from Spain, including Rodri, teenage talent Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, new Barcelona signing Dani Olmo, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo.
Kylian Mbappe is also nominated, alongside Premier League standouts like Arsenal’s William Saliba and Martin Odegaard, as well as Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez makes the shortlist once again, while Ademola Lookman, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta's Europa League victory, is recognised as well.
With neither Messi nor Ronaldo in contention, this year guarantees a first-time winner, as other past recipients such as Karim Benzema and Luka Modric are also absent.
Pep Guardiola has been nominated for men’s coach of the year after leading Manchester City to yet another Premier League title and their first Club World Cup victory, alongside Spain's Luis De la Fuente, Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti.
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On the women's side, Lionesses Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, and Lauren Hemp have been nominated after impressive seasons with their clubs. Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, along with teammate Yui Hasegawa, is also among the nominees.
Other contenders include Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Chelsea’s Sjoeke Nusken and Mayra Ramirez.Aitana Bonmati, last year’s winner, is back in the running, along with two-time recipient Alexia Putellas and 2018 winner Ada Hegerberg.
In the coaching category, new U.S. manager Emma Hayes competes with England's Sarina Wiegman and Chelsea's Sonia Bompastor for the women's coach of the year award.
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