Missing the World Cup Proves Costly as Last Season's Serie A MVP Dimarco Misses Ballon d'Or Shortlist

The 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist was announced, with only Lautaro making the list from Serie A, while last season's Serie A MVP Dimarco missed out with regret.

In the 2025-26 season, Dimarco, who plays as a left wing-back, produced a phenomenal level of performance, recording 8 goals and 18 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. He helped Inter Milan win the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, and was also named Serie A MVP.

Unfortunately, because the Italy national team failed to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Dimarco also missed the opportunity to be included among the Ballon d'Or nominees in a World Cup year.

Among the 30 Ballon d'Or nominees, only Kvaratskhelia did not play at the World Cup, but he was a key star for Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League and won the Champions League Season MVP award.