The 2022 Ballon d’Or finalists were been revealed by France Football. Even without the inclusion of Lionel Messi and Neymar, the list is stacked with outstanding athletes. After appearing consistently on the list for many years, both PSG teammates were left disappointed and went unidentified.
However, with three candidates, Brazil are quite well represented. Even if their prospects are slim, our football is among the greatest in the world because to the players’ fantastic phase right now.
Three Brazilians among the 30 finalists for the 2022 Ballon d’Or
Brazil is included on the list of France Football. The absence of Neymar, though, caught everyone off guard. He was the most well-known person in the nation, but due to injuries, he performed below average.
At the same time, two midfielders who are competing for a spot in the Selection had their greatest year of their careers and another striker had his best year of his career. Take a look!
Vini Jr
The Real Madrid attacker became one of the top players in the nation after a spectacular campaign. Vini Jr. has, in a sense, moved beyond the criticism he has faced since coming to Europe.
In 52 games, he scored 22 goals and provided 16 assists for the season’s total. Alongside Karim Benzema, he created one of the most potent attacking partnerships on the continent and established himself in Tite’s plan for the Brazilian National Team.
The grand finale was Liverpool’s defeat in the Champions League final. In his first victory as the protagonist, the striker scored the game-winning goal. Even if his prospects of winning the Ballon d’Or are very slim, the future is already staked.
Casemiro
Casemiro, the starting midfielder for Brazil’s national team, has made news for his sensational move to Manchester United. He took on a new challenge months before the Cup despite being one of the finest in the world at the position.
Casemiro had a tremendous season at Real Madrid prior to that. Being the fourth of the midfield three, he was crucial in helping Kroos and Modric win their sixth Champions League.
Real Madrid’s goodbye, which is filled with accolades, highlights hid significance on the field. He is notable for his leadership, marking, and capacity to approach the assault when in danger at the age of 30.
Fabinho
Jurgen Klopp has confidence in the midfielder for Liverpool. He plays full-back in his home country and has done so since joining Liverpool in 2018.
The main draw in 2021–2022 was his offensive stats. With eight goals in 48 games, Fabinho had the highest scoring season. He had previously only scored three goals for the Reds.
Midfielders are not often given much consideration in awards, but Fabinho is nominated for a prize because of his dependability and role as a cornerstone for Liverpool, a team that is always involved in title fights.
Karim Benzema is the big favorite for the award
Brazilians have a little chance of winning since Karim Benzema is the clear favourite. At Real Madrid, Vini Jr’s colleague turned quite an outstanding season.
In the 46 games played, 44 goals were scored. Some of them were remarkable, like as the two consecutive Champions League hat-tricks. Real, meanwhile, had a difficult trip and weren’t regarded as potential champions at the start of the knockout round.
To win their 14th Champions League trophy, the Meringues defeated PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool. This was mostly due to Benzema, who scored 15 goals. In other words, it will be challenging to rob him of the reward.
Brazil have six Ballons d’Or in history
The France Football Ballon d’Or has previously been won by four different Brazilian players. With three titles, Ronaldo leads all winners, followed by Rivaldo, Ronaldinho Gauche, and Kaká, who each have one.
It is important to keep in mind that this prize is distinct from the FIFA World’s Best. The two prizes were combined between 2010 and 2015, but again, since 2016, they have been separated.
This explains why, despite being named the greatest in the world by FIFA, Romário (1994) and Ronaldinho Gaucho (2004) do not feature on the list.
Keep in mind the France Football Award winners from Brazil:
- Ronaldo (1996, 1997 and 2002);
- Rivaldo (1999);
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho (2005);
- Kaká (2007).
The Ballon d’Or 2022 ceremony will take place in Paris on October 17. Thus, Benzema will be able to accept the honour at home.
