TWO Scottish stars have made the shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards.
Originally dreamed up by French football magazine France Football, it’s an honour awarded by a jury of football journalists representing the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.
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As the recently crowned Serie A most valuable player, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Scott McTominay makes the 30-strong list of nominees for the men‘s prize.
He’s joined by global superstars such as Kylian Mbappe, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Mohamed Salah and Lamine Yamal.
While he’s the only Scot on the men’s list, one Scottish superstar makes the women‘s list in the form of Caroline Weir of Real Madrid.
She’s joined there by the likes of England Euros winners Lucy Bronze, Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, Alessio Russo and Leah Williamson plus a host of stars from Spain, France and the USA.
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Only one Scot has ever claimed the top prize in either the men’s or women’s rankings, and that’s Denis Law back in 1964.
There is no Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in the list – with Prem stars Bruno Fernandes and Alexander Isak also among players who missed out.
Scotland star McTominay, 28, had been at Man Utd his entire career but made the switch to Italy by joining Napoli in a £25million deal last summer.
He quickly became THE fans’ favourite at his new club with the supporters in Naples taking him to their hearts.
Finished 10th the season before, McTominay helped Napoli establish themselves as title contenders in their first season under Antonio Conte.
A titanic battle to be Serie A champions would ensue with Napoli coming out on top on the final day of the season – as Hampden hero McTominay netted a stunning opener to send them on their way against Cagliari.
The 28-year old chipped in with 12 goals from midfield – comfortably his most prolific season to date, in addition to weighing in with a number of massive goals for his country.
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