Published on 07.09.2023
In a year of exceptional football performances, Arsenal’s dynamic duo, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, have made it to the esteemed 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award.
This prestigious accolade, regarded as the highest individual honor in football, involves a global panel of journalists who cast their votes to anoint the world’s finest player, a tradition dating back to 1956.
For the 2023 edition of the Ballon d’Or, both Odegaard and Saka have secured their places among football’s elite, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in the sport. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional 2022/23 seasons, where they dazzled fans and pundits alike.
Adding to the celebration is Aaron Ramsdale, who’s earned his share of the limelight by being nominated for the illustrious Yashin Trophy. This accolade, instituted in 2019, honors the best goalkeeper in the world.
Martin Odegaard’s stellar campaign last season was nothing short of remarkable. Scoring 15 goals in the Premier League, he etched his name in Arsenal’s history as the first central midfielder to achieve this feat in a single season since the legendary Cesc Fabregas in 2009/10. Odegaard didn’t stop at goals; he also contributed seven assists, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s title challenge right up to the closing weeks.
His individual brilliance was widely acknowledged, with the Norwegian maestro earning the Premier League Player of the Month for November/December. He also secured a nomination for the division’s Player of the Year award, further affirming his status as one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
Bukayo Saka’s season was equally awe-inspiring. With 15 goals and 11 assists to his name, he showcased his immense talent. Saka’s remarkable performances were duly recognized when he was crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season. Furthermore, his exploits at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored three crucial goals during England’s run to the quarter-finals, earned him the England Player of the Year accolade for the second consecutive season.
The pair’s brilliance wasn’t confined to individual recognition; they were also instrumental in the PFA Team of the Season, further underlining their impact on English football.
For Aaron Ramsdale, the nomination for the Yashin Trophy is a testament to his remarkable skills between the posts. Keeping 15 clean sheets across all competitions in 41 appearances, Ramsdale’s goalkeeping prowess was critical for Arsenal’s success. Notably, in the Premier League, only Golden Glove winner David de Gea managed to secure more clean sheets last season.
In addition to the accolades for Arsenal’s men’s team, two stars from Arsenal’s women’s team, Katie McCabe and Amanda Ilestedt, have also been nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
The winners of these prestigious awards will be unveiled during a grand ceremony scheduled for October 30th at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. It’s a momentous occasion where football celebrates its brightest talents, and Arsenal proudly acknowledges the remarkable contributions of its players to the global footballing stage.
