Georgia Stanway disappointed to miss ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Ballon d’Or ceremony

Georgia Stanway says it is frustrating the Ballon d’Or ceremony taking place on the eve of a round of women’s international games was not “planned a little bit better”.

The England and Bayern Munich midfielder is among the nominees but will not be at Monday evening’s ceremony in Paris as she prepares for the Lionesses’ match against Belgium in Leuven, part of a busy schedule of Nations League fixtures on Tuesday.

Stanway, whose international team-mates Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Rachel Daly have also been shortlisted, told a press conference regarding her nomination: “It’s very cool, and nice to get the accolade as well as a lot of the team-mates in the Lionesses.

Stanway playing at the 2023 World Cup against Australia (Isabel Infantes/PA)

“There’s a few people I would also add to the list who have had very, very successful years. It’s a real achievement to be amongst those names.

“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t be there. That’s something we spoke as a player group (about), and we just kind of said it would be nice in the future if it wasn’t on a matchday minus one, so that we could enjoy the experience.

“It is (frustrating), because it’s potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You never know if you’re ever going to get selected for such an accolade like that again, so it would be really nice to enjoy the experience and be there and feel like a star amongst the stars.

“If it was planned a little bit better, then maybe it would be easier for a lot of female footballers to be there.”

Asked for her thoughts on the matter, and on there only being one female Ballon d’Or category, England boss Sarina Wiegman added: “You hope that develops too.

“We talk about the planning now. Everyone is working so hard and of course we have to do a job, that’s what we’re here for.

“So you can’t attend that, and it would be really nice if things like that are organised so that players have the opportunity to join too.”