Unlucky! 7 world-class players missing from 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist

macfranc007 October 10, 2017 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Akinshilo Ayomide

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala lead the final 30-man list of nominations for the Ballon d'Or but there are many top level players missing from the list.

While the likes of Edin Dzeko, Dries Mertens and Mats Hummels can consider themselves lucky to be on the list there are some other who will feel robbed of a place on the list.

Here's seven players who who can consider themselves unfortunate to miss out on the prestigious 30.

1. Paul Pogba

He was named the Europa League player of the year and had a good but not spectacular season but for some reason he has been omitted.

Pogba, Iniesta missing from 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist

Pogba was named Europa League footballer of the year but still misses out. Photo: Squawka

2. Ousmane Dembele

Barcelona's most expensive player ever is quite talented and was the catalyst for Dortmund winning the DFB Pokal Cup. His omission is a huge surprise to all.

Dembele (right) joined Ernesto Valverde's side from Dortmund during the summer. Photo: Uefa.com

3. Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez was one of the best player's last season and was a key player as Arsenal win the FA Cup. Despite posting a personal record number of goals or assist, he misses out as Dries Mertens of Napoli make the cut.

Alexis Sanchez can count himself unlucky not to be on he list. Photo: Premier League

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4. Andres Iniesta

After finding himself one of the top 30 players in the world in the past eight years, 34-year-old Iniesta is missing after an underwhelming season. Age has taken its toll and it is not long before one of the best midfielders ever retires for good.

Age has taken its toll on the man once regarded as the best midfielder in the world. Photo: Fifa.com

5. Casemiro

Name a better defensive midfielder in the world. Casemiro is the perfect example of the modern day midfielder. Despite winning the Champions League and La Liga he is missing.

Casemiro's displays last season are surprisingly not rewarded on a place on the list. Photo: Squawka

6. Manuel Neuer

Some regard him the best in the world but he was not better than the greatest ever Gianluigi Buffon last season.

Bayern Munich's poor season counted against them in the list. Photo: San Mia/Twitter

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7. Arturo Vidal

There are few more complete midfielders in the world. After finding himself in the list for the last six years, the Chile midfielder misses out after an average campaign for Bayern. If only he was not wrongly red carded against Real Madrid.

Arturo Vidal is regarded as one of the best in the world in his position. Photo: Uefa.com

Other notable omissons are Keylor Navas, Gareth Bale, Asensio, Lorenzo Insigne, Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves, Marco Veratti, Mauro Icardi and Gigi Donarumma.

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