“For me, he has a place among these players” – Koulibaly slams decision for not including Chelsea player in 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist
According to latest reports, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has admitted his surprise that Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy wasn’t named in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper was named as the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year after a stunning season with Chelsea where he played a key role in helping the club lift the Champions League trophy.
However, only five Chelsea players N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta and Romelu Lukaku made the Ballon d’Or nominees.
Senegal captain Koulibaly believes Mendy should be in the running for the Ballon d’Or, and claimed that African players have to do so much more to stand a chance of recognition.
“We must not forget that it is journalists who vote. One journalist per country,” the centre-back told the media after Senegal’s World Cup qualifying win over Namibia at the weekend (via Senegalese Wiwsport TV).
“I think there are some countries that favour other players.
“Now it’s a real shame that Edou isn’t one of them. He is the first African goalkeeper to win the Champions League.
“We must continue to work and move forward. We have to do the double [the work] of some people’s to be well judged.
“Edou is a very positive person. We talked about it together. He will continue to fight to be part of it.
“But for me, he has a place among these 30 players.”