For a second successive year, the Ballon d’Or ceremony will not be attended by nominated Lionesses due to a scheduling clash with the women’s international break.
England women’s players Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp made the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, while head coach Sarina Wiegman is nominated for women’s coach of the year.
However, the Lionesses — who are without James through injury — will be preparing for Tuesday night’s friendly against South Africa in Coventry when the ceremony takes place in Paris on Monday.
Other leading women’s football stars face the same scheduling conflict, including last year’s winner Aitana Bonmati, who will be preparing for Spain’s match against Italy on Tuesday.
Frustrations were expressed last year at the ceremony’s scheduling after Lionesses Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Georgia Stanway were unable to attend the event due to international duty. Twelve months later, no accommodations have been made.
“It’s really disappointing because it is a moment to celebrate women’s football so you want to be there,” Wiegman said ahead of the South Africa game. “But we have a job to do so we have to be here, and it would be really helpful if they scheduled it for another date.”
