Dembele, Mbappe, Kane nominated for 2023 Ballon d'Or in London

Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, along with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, has been named among the top contenders for the prestigious award. The nominees were revealed by France Football on Tuesday, with the winners set to be announced at a ceremony in London on October 26. This year’s shortlist includes 30 nominees for both men and women, showcasing some of the best talent in football.

The announcement comes on the heels of a competitive year in football, especially following the World Cup, where both Dembele and Mbappe represented France. Their team reached the semifinals but fell short against the eventual champions, Spain. Despite this setback, Mbappe made headlines by surpassing Lionel Messi to become the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 22 goals. Meanwhile, Dembele seeks to retain his title after helping Paris Saint-Germain win their second consecutive Champions League title.

Kane has also made a strong case for the award after an outstanding season that saw him score 73 goals for club and country. He played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich's Bundesliga title win and led England to a third-place finish at the World Cup. Other notable nominees include Spain's captain Rodri, who played a key role in his national team's World Cup victory, and Lionel Messi, who remains a contender after guiding Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup and winning the MLS title with Inter Miami.

Dembele hinted at a strong showing from PSG players, stating he believes the trophy will stay within the club. He named fellow PSG teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kane, and Mbappe as potential winners. The absence of some notable players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, raises questions about the changing landscape of football's elite. The upcoming ceremony in London marks a departure from the traditional Paris venue, underscoring the evolving nature of this esteemed accolade.