Two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner and Barcelona’s midfield dynamo, Alexia Putellas, sets the backdrop for this year’s ceremony.
England’s Georgia Stanway has termed it “regrettable” that female footballers, including herself, nominated for the Ballon d’Or won’t be able to bask in the limelight of the awards gala due to international commitments.
The much-anticipated ceremony will be broadcast live this Monday on BBC iPlayer, Sport News Center app and website, along with Red Button access starting at 7:45 PM GMT.
Stanway is not a lone voice; she is one of four players from the England women’s team, aka the Lionesses, to receive a nomination, which comes on the heels of their laudable journey to the Women’s World Cup final this year. But alas, duty calls, and they have a crucial match against Belgium lined up for Tuesday.
The England team, managed by Sarina Wiegman, is currently in Leuven, Belgium, ramping up preparations for the Women’s Nations League showdown—one among two dozen European matches slated for that day.
“It’s obviously a great honor to even be nominated, and that goes for many of my teammates as well,” Stanway lamented. “It’s just too bad we can’t all bask in that glory in person.”
The team has aired its sentiments, wishing that future ceremonies could avoid such clashes. “It’s a big deal. For many of us, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine on such a stage,” she added. “You know, be a star amongst stars. If the event planning had been a bit more considerate, then a lot more female athletes could actually attend.”
The footballing world will not just miss out on the English talent; Spain, the current world champions, have multiple nominations, including crowd favorite Aitana Bonmati from Barcelona, who fortunately is expected to grace the occasion.
Now in its fifth iteration, the Ballon d’Or Feminin has seen Spain’s Alexia Putellas clinch the title in the previous two years.
England’s manager Wiegman also chimed in, stating, “Everybody’s working incredibly hard on and off the field. While we are here to do a job, it would be wonderful if such ceremonies were organized in a way that allows players to seize such golden opportunities as well.”
So there you have it, the clash of schedules takes away from what could have been a perfect night of stars aligning—quite literally—for women in football. It’s a missed free-kick that we can only hope future organizers will find a way to net.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ballon d’Or timing
Why can’t Georgia Stanway and other nominated players attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Georgia Stanway and other nominated female players are unable to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony because they are on international duty. Specifically, the England women’s team has an important match against Belgium scheduled for the day after the ceremony.
What did Georgia Stanway say about the timing of the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Georgia Stanway termed the timing as “regrettable” and “unfortunate.” She highlighted that it’s a possibly once-in-a-lifetime experience for many players and expressed disappointment that they couldn’t attend due to the timing clash with international matches.
Who are the other nominated players from the England women’s team?
The text does not specify who the other nominated players from the England women’s team are, only that Stanway is one of four Lionesses to receive a nomination.
Where is the Ballon d’Or ceremony being broadcast?
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be broadcast live on the BBC iPlayer, Sport News Center app and website, as well as via the Red Button, starting at 19:45 GMT.
What is England’s manager Sarina Wiegman’s take on the issue?
Sarina Wiegman, the manager of England’s women’s team, echoed Stanway’s sentiments. She said everyone is working hard and it would be wonderful if the ceremonies were organized in a way that allows players to attend and seize such golden opportunities.
What is the history of the Ballon d’Or Feminin?
The Ballon d’Or Feminin is relatively new, with this being its fifth edition. Alexia Putellas, a midfielder for Spain and Barcelona, has won the past two Ballon d’Or Feminin awards.
Are there any players who are able to attend the ceremony?
The text indicates that Aitana Bonmati, a crowd favorite from Barcelona and a nominee from Spain, is expected to attend the event. However, it doesn’t give details on other players who might be able to attend.
More about Ballon d’Or timing
- BBC’s Coverage of Ballon d’Or Ceremony
- Women’s World Cup 2023 Highlights
- Women’s Nations League Fixtures
- Ballon d’Or Feminin Past Winners
- England Women’s Team Official Website
- Sport News Center
- Profile of Georgia Stanway
- Profile of Sarina Wiegman
- Interview with Alexia Putellas
9 comments
Man, can’t believe they’d schedule the Ballon d’Or on a match day. These ladies work hard all year and then miss the spotlight. What a shame!
Putellas won twice? she’s the GOAT. But the newbies should also get their moment. Hope they fix this clash in the coming years.
okay, but can we talk about how this is only the fifth Ballon d’Or for women? I mean, progress is slow but at least it’s happening.
Kinda ironic, isn’t it? an awards ceremony that celebrates the best in football can’t even schedule around the players’ actual football commitments. lol
As a mom, i can imagine how disappointed these women must feel. Missing a once in a lifetime event because of duty. Hope they reschedule these things better in future.
Sarina Wiegman is right. Everyone’s busting their chops on the field. Least they could do is let them shine on the red carpet too. Just sayin.
If they can live stream matches and ceremonies, why can’t they just set up a virtual attendance for the nominated players? We’re living in 2023, not the stone age!
I’d be so mad if I were them. Imagine grinding your way to top-tier football and then having to skip the Oscars of your industry. Smh
It’s like missing the premiere of the blockbuster you starred in. total bummer!