Ballon d'Or: Lucy Bronze says she 'doesn't deserve' nomination in selfless social post | OneFootball

This year’s Ballon d’Or nominees have been revealed and there have been plenty of polarising opinions over who has and hasn’t made the cut.

Following Euro 2022, plenty of stars from the tournament have been included on the women’s shortlist.

The 20-player list features three names from winning side England — Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead, and Millie Bright.

Despite playing an important role in the Lionesses’ historic title win, Bronze disagrees with her nomination and has taken to social media to address it.

Barcelona’s new signing is a household name in football and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. But she doesn’t believe she should be included in the 2022 Ballon d’Or shortlist.

In fact, there’s a player she thinks should be in there over herself.

“Thanks but I don’t deserve this,” Bronze wrote on her Instagram story. “The best Lionesses player all year and during the Euros was @keirawalsh.

“She should be the first English name in the list!”

Walsh was heavily praised throughout Euro 2022 for her solid performances in midfield.

She earned the Player of the Match award in the final against Germany thanks to her impressive defending and creative play.

The Manchester City star provided a superb assist for England’s opening goal, sending a pinpoint long ball from well within her own half to Ella Toone, who chipped her shot into the back of the net.

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Walsh was also lauded by former Lioness Lianne Sanderson, who compared the 25-year-old to defensive powerhouse N’Golo Kante. The two play in similar positions and are known for their defensive abilities as well as their ability to contribute exceptional passes to create goalscoring opportunities.

“He is unbelievable, she is unbelievable. She really is brilliant,” Sanderson said.

Walsh’s England and Man City teammate Ellie Roebuck has also posted on social media about the midfielder being snubbed of a spot on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.

“No Keira Walsh, I don’t understand,” the goalkeeper wrote on Twitter.

Players like Caroline Graham-Hansen of Norway and Barcelona have also been left off the list of nominees. There was uproar last year when the winger missed out on a shortlist spot but now she has been overlooked again.

GiveMeSport has put together a list of the 10 biggest Ballon d’Or 2022 snubs.

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