Paris Saint-Germain forwards Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué were notably absent from the 30-man shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or, a decision that has drawn considerable discussion among football fans. Despite playing key roles in a highly successful season for PSG, which saw them clinch the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Ligue 1 titles, the young talents did not make the cut.
France Football Explains Omission
Vincent Garcia, the editor-in-chief of France Football, the publication responsible for organising the prestigious award, has offered an explanation for the exclusion of both Barcola and Doué. Writing in L’Équipe, Garcia highlighted several factors contributing to their omission.
According to Garcia, a primary reason was their “interchangeable status” within the squad, both at club level with Paris Saint-Germain and for the French national team. This, coupled with a perceived “lack of consistency” throughout the season, marked by alternating periods of strong performances and time on the bench, ultimately hindered their individual records and chances for nomination.
Voting Details Emerge
Further insight into the voting process was provided by Olivier Bossard, another journalist for France Football. Speaking on the programme L’Équipe de Greg, Bossard revealed that Bradley Barcola “received very few votes” from the panel.
For Désiré Doué, the situation was slightly different, with Bossard stating that he finished “31st or 32nd on the list,” just outside the top 30 nominees. Bossard indicated that some efforts were made to include Doué in the final shortlist, but ultimately, the intense competition, particularly with Barcola, worked against him. It was also felt that Doué had made less of an impact than in the previous season, struggling to consistently assert himself.
Impact on Young Talents
The decision underscores the high bar for individual recognition at the Ballon d’Or, even for players contributing to major team successes. While Barcola and Doué celebrated significant collective achievements with Paris Saint-Germain, the emphasis on individual consistency and distinct impact proved crucial in the eyes of the Ballon d’Or voters and organisers. Their journey highlights the challenge young players face in maintaining a standout profile amidst a star-studded squad and intense competition for places.