Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and Lautaro Martínez look to keep Argentina’s winning streak going after being nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The winner is set to be announced on October 28, with the three-candidate shortlist being released one or two weeks earlier.
Only five goalkeepers have made the shortlist and just one has ever won, Russian legend Lev Yashin. “Dibu” is coming off a remarkable season as a key member of both Argentina’s men’s national team, which won its second straight Copa América, and the Aston Villa team, which qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1982.
“Dibu” is also nominated for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the season’s best goalkeeper. Should he win, he’d be the first to clinch it twice, having received it in 2023.
From goalkeeper to goal scorer, Lautaro Martínez was also essential for the Argentine men’s national side. He wrapped up the Copa América as the competition’s lead goal scorer and clinched the sole goal in the final against Colombia. He was also instrumental for Inter Milan, who won a historic 20th Serie A Scudetto.
They’re not the only Argentines up for a prize. Albiceleste young star Alejandro Garnacho is up for the Kopa Trophy, given to the best-performing player worldwide under the age of 21. Last season, Garnacho was instrumental for Manchester United coach Erik Ten Hag as the Red Devils lifted the FA Cup.
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni was nominated for the first Men’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy. The award is one of two new prizes, part of the collaboration between organizers France Football and European football governing body UEFA. He’ll go up against Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Manchester City’s Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, among others.
The Ballon d’Or is world football’s most storied and prestigious prize. It was first awarded in 1956, and until 1995 only European players were eligible.
The most notable absence from the list is Lionel Messi. The Rosario native is the record winner of the award, with eight. However, he’s coming off a difficult season where injuries limited his play time, even forcing him to come off the Copa América final in tears. He’s the only Argentine to have won the prize so far.