France Football's Ballon d'Or

[Lord Nibbler]

France Football have named the 50 nominees for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award with seven Englishmen on the list.

Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Frank Lampard, John Terry, David Beckham, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are in the running for the gong, which was scooped by Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko last year.

The mantle of European Footballer of the Year accompanies the prize and there are a number of Premiership contenders, including the likes of Michael Essien, Petr Cech, Park Ji-sung and Luis Garcia.

Barcelona star Ronaldinho will be favourite to come out on top with the winner announced later in the year.

[Guest Ringo Masterson]

I think this list just took the 50 big names out there nowadays, because a lot of those don't really belong here.

[pigeon]

Chuffed to see Carra in there. Thing is though, even though he has been our best player for the last year, Gerrard will have a far better chance of winning. It's as much down to how big your name is as how good your performances have been.

[Guest muddatrucker]

I think this list just took the 50 big names out there nowadays, because a lot of those don't really belong here.

[NobBe Nobbs]

I think this list just took the 50 big names out there nowadays, because a lot of those don't really belong here.

I agree.

[Guest clarencepool]

Gerrard is the only English-based player who deserves to win in my opinion. For his Champions League performances last year.

But of course... Ronaldinho will win.

[Liam]

Lampard and Terry deserve it a lot more than Gerrard.

I assume 'Pool fan, though?

[Guest muddatrucker]

I'd tend to agree, Ronaldinho needs to stop winning everything just because he's brilliant, rather than because he's done something spectacular (outside of individual flare and skill).

[pigeon]

Luis Garcia? Zilch.

Edited October 26, 2005 by pigeon

[Liam]

Luis Garcia? Zilch.

Only five goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League. Yeah, nothing.

zOMG BESTEST PLAYUR IN DA WURLD~!!1!11

....yeah, I think I've made my point....

[therockbox]

Who the fuck is Cris?

[public enemy]

Who the fuck is Cris?

[The Slickman]

I have to agree with the comments above about the 50 biggest names because Figo has done fuck all the past few years at Madrid or Inter

[Guest Ringo Masterson]

I have to agree with the comments above about the 50 biggest names because Figo has done fuck all the past few years at Madrid or Inter