Rachael Kundananji, a forward for Madrid CFF is a surprise omission on the 30-player shortlist for the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or award announced on Wednesday by France football.

Given that the Copper Queen scored 33 goals for both club and country last season, this comes as a bit of a shock.

Levante UD striker Alba Redondo is the only player with more goals (27 total) than the Zambian (25 total) in the top five European leagues.

Rachael also contributed six goals for her country including an icy goal in Zambia’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory over Costa Rica.

However, when it comes to the Ballon d’Or award, silverware seems to play a huge role in deciding its winners. And the front runners in both the men’s and women’s categories this year have definitely won the lot.

Lionel Messi eyes eighth Ballon d’Or award.

FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League winner Aitana Bonmati headlined the list of nominees for the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or. Others are Sam Kerr of Chelsea FC, Asisat Oshoala, the 2022 African MVP, and Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa.

Three-time champion Lionel Messi will compete against Erling Haaland, who is vying for his first title.

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Other include Kylian Mbappe, Kevin de Bruyne, Karim Benzema. Portuguese veteran Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on a Ballon d’Or nomination for the first time in two decades.

The Kopa and Yashin trophies for the best U-21 player and goalkeeper, respectively, are other awards that football’s megastars will battle for on October 30 in Paris.