He may not be the favorite, but Ilkay Gündogan made it into the nominees for the world footballer election. Other German professionals were also nominated for FIFA awards.
Ilkay Gündogan has been nominated for World Footballer of the Year.
The captain of the German national team is part of the official candidate list of 13 players after a pre-selection by a group of football experts, according to a press release from the world association FIFA.
Profit rather unrealistic
However, Gündogan from FC Barcelona does not have a realistic chance of winning; Argentine world champion captain Lionel Messi is considered the big favorite. Gündogan’s former teammates at Champions League winners Manchester City such as the Belgian Kevin De Bruyne and the Norwegian Erling Haaland are also on the list of candidates. World Cup top scorer Kylian Mbappé from France can also hope for the official title of “FIFA World Footballer”.
In the women’s category, a quartet from world champion Spain has been nominated. Among them is Jennifer Hermoso, who was kissed on the mouth by the then association head Luis Rubiales at the award ceremony. The kissing scandal made headlines around the world and led to disciplinary proceedings by FIFA. Ultimately, it led to the official’s resignation.
German goalkeepers represented twice
There are two German professionals to choose from in the goalkeeper category: Ann-Katrin Berger from Chelsea FC is nominated for the women’s category, and Marc-André ter Stegen from FC Barcelona made it onto the list for the men.
Man City coach Pep Guardiola is the big favorite in the election for “FIFA World Coach” after the title treble in the previous season. In the women’s category, Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman, who led England’s women’s national team to the World Cup final, has the best chances.
The winners of the individual categories will now be chosen by an international jury. The jury consists of the captains and coaches of the national teams, journalists and fans from all over the world. Fan voting is open on FIFA’s digital platforms.
Source: Stern
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