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Tonight was the ceremony of the Ballon D’or Award. Three Ajax players and two former players were present.
Both Donny van de Beek and Ajax-captain Dusan Tadic were nominated for the Ballon D’or 2019, the most prestigious prize an individual player can win. Goalkeeper André Onana was nominated for ‘best goalkeeper of 2019’. The Ajax players dreamt of becoming the successor of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and most recently, Luka Modric. But they’ll have to keep dreaming for at least another year.
Lionel Messi took home the coveted trophy and Allison Becker of Liverpool was named the best goalkeeper in the world. Donny van de Beek ended 28th on the shortlist and Tadic 20th. Ex-Ajax players Matthijs de Ligt (15th) and Frenkie de Jong (11th) were also present in Paris.
Matthijs de Ligt was however named the most talented player of the world and won the accompanying Kepa Trophy. He is the 2nd player to take home this trophy after Kyllian Mbappé won it last year.
Previously Ajax players were also nominated for the UEFA team of the year, the Globe Soccer Awards and the ESPN FC 100.