5 hours ago
34
Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister revealed that he didn't attend the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris on Monday night due to 'personal reasons'. His statement was swiftly posted on Instagram after it was confirmed that he wouldn't be named the men's footballer of the year.
The Argentine was nominated alongside several of his Reds colleagues, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz, for the esteemed individual award, which is decided by journalists from FIFA's top 100-ranked countries.
Mac Allister opted not join his teammates and stayed on Merseyside instead, with Salah also deciding to miss the ceremony. This news was shared in a brief statement in both Spanish and English on the Liverpool star's Instagram profile on Monday evening.
It stated: "Won't be able to attend @ballondorofficial ceremony today for personal reasons, all the best for everyone, enjoy!
The 2022 World Cup winner and his partner, Ailen Cova, are soon expecting their first child together.
After attending last Wednesday's Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, she posted a photo of herself cradling her baby bump and smiling on her own Instagram profile with the caption 'one more game'.
Liverpool then faced Everton on Saturday, once again at Anfield, with Mac Allister shining in the Merseyside derby triumph.
The final top 30 rankings for the Ballon d'Or were unveiled on social media in the hours leading up to the ceremony. Mac Allister was confirmed as ranking 22nd.
That placed him ahead of Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, who came in at 28th, and summer recruit Florian Wirtz, who ranked 29th.
Mohamed Salah was a contender for the award. The Egyptian finished in fourth place, with Ousmane Dembele scooping the top prize. Lamine Yamal and Vitinha pipped Salah to a place in the top three.
After scooping the award, Dembele said: "What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG.
"I feel a bit of stress, it's not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional.
"I want to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023. It's an incredible family. The president Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] is like a father to me. I also want to thank all the staff and the coach, who have been exceptional with me - he too is like a father - and all my team-mates.
"We have practically won everything together. You supported me in the good and the difficult times. This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively."
English (US) ·