It is true that few people take the Ballon d’Or seriously. However, despite being a trophy awarded to the best PR team, Bayern Munich players have been snubbed from the shortlists time and again, with several deserving players falling short of winning a deserved award. Franck Ribéry (2013), Manuel Neuer (2014), Robert Lewandowski (2020 and 2021) are some of the names that spring to mind almost instantly.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or top 30 shortlist had a new level of absurdity in store. Jamal Musiala was completely excluded despite being a key player for both Bayern Munich and Germany. Granted, Bayern’s season was not exactly helpful in this regard, but being among the Euro 2024’s top scorers while also playing a pivotal role in Bayern Munich reaching the Champions League semi-finals is something that simply can’t be ignored.
Artem Dovbyk, Martin Ødegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba are all players who went trophyless last season. Yet somehow they all find themselves in a list from which one of the best footballer’s of today has been excluded.
If Musiala wasn’t motivated enough already, he’s quickly silencing everyone and laying any silly discussions about the current season to bed early with his scintillating performances. @iMiaSanMia had this quick stat-sheet to add to what already looks like a fantastic season in the making for the
Jamal Musiala:
• 6 goals in his last 5 competitive games
• Scored the opening goal in 3 Bundesliga games this season
• Involved in at least a goal in all away league games this season[Sky] pic.twitter.com/lkRa6OHWD1
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) November 9, 2024
Yes, you’re reading those stats correctly. He has already notched a whopping 9G+3A in just 14 games this season, while scoring one and assisting three in just two appearances for Germany. And it feels like he is only getting started. If this torrid start leads to a trophy-laden season for Bayern, Musiala will become undeniable.
As the world keeps its eyes focused on Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, and Cole Palmer, Jamal Musiala will continue to shine away from the spotlight until he shines brighter than the spotlight.
And then, hopefully, his case would be impossible to ignore.
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