5 deserving players who failed to make the 2022 Ballon d'Or shortlist

Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious prizes a footballer can get in his lifetime. The 30-man shortlist for the current year was released on August 12. The honourable prize is given by the Franch magazine 'France Football'. While the likes of Karim Benzema, Trent Alexander-Arnold, João Cancelo, Casemiro, Thibaut Courtois, Ronaldo, and Harry Kane made it to the list, a few others missed out.

We have picked a list of five deserving players who missed out to make a cut. Here are the five players who missed to make it to the Ballon d'Or list:

1) Lionel Messi (Argentina): 

Lionel Messi (Image Source: Twitter)

Lionel Messi is one the greatest to have ever graced the game. Considered to be one of the all-time greats, Messi did not have a good outing with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2021-2022 season. However, the great managed to score eleven goals in 34 appearances.

Lionel Messi has won the award, a record seven times. And the legendary footballer failed to make it to the list this year. Needless to say, he deserved to be on the list.

2) Thomas Muller (Germany):

Thomas Muller (Image Source: Twitter)

Thomas Muller was at the peak of his form for Bayern Munich this season. The 'assist king' of Europe helped Bayern Munich become the Bundesliga Champions. The attacking-minded player has helped his team in every possible way this season.

In the forty-five appearances he made for his team this year, Thomas Muller has scored thirteen goals. The 'assist king' has also a whopping twenty-five assists to his name this season. He will go down as one of the most deserving players to fail to make a cut to the list this year.

3) David Alaba (Austria):

David Alaba (Image Source: Twitter)

David Alaba had a stupendous 2021-22 with Real Madrid. The defender was breathing fire in every single match. Known for his defending skills, Alaba was on everyone's list of who would make it to the Ballon d'Or shortlist. However, it turned out to be otherwise.

The known defender has scored a total of three goals in the forty-six appearances he made last year. The Austrian star also helped with four assists. But it was his defending skills, that stood out. And he deserves to be on the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist.

4) Toni Kroos (Germany):

Toni Kroos (Image Source: Twitter)

The star midfielder from Germany failed to make it to the list. The 2007 U-17 World Cup golden ball winner was stunning for Real Madrid. Considered to be one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Toni Kroos was expected to be a part of the list.

The 32-year-old midfielder scored three goals in the forty-five appearances he made for Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season. And he also helped with three assists. The legendary midfielder deserves to be a part of the 30-man shortlist.

5) Neymar Jr. (Brazil):

Neymar Jr (Image Source: Twitter)

Neymar Jr is the best candidate that should have been a part of this list. The Brazilian did manage to find his form back this season for Paris Saint-Germain this year and has been in magnificent form. He led Brazil to World Cup qualification. He played a vital role in maintaining their unbeaten record in CONMEBOL qualifiers.

With twenty-eight appearances for Paris Saint-Germain in the 2021-22 season across all competitions, Neymar has scored thirteen goals and provided eight assists. Leaving him out has angered many of his and is justified because of his numbers this season.