5 players on the 2021 Ballon d'Or shortlist who might not be nominated next year

#3 Gerard Moreno

Villarreal CF v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Gerard Moreno gets a well-deserved place among the 2021 Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist based on his stellar performances for Spanish club Villareal. He was in superb-scoring form for the 'Yellow Submarines' and scored an all-important goal in the Europa League final as well.

Moreno's superb showing for his club earned him a spot in the Spanish national side in the Euros.

With hopes of retaining his place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, Moreno started his 2021-22 season with purpose but fell prey to an injury. The injury has been heavily disruptive for Villareal, who have dearly missed their main goal scorer.

With half the season almost over, Villareal will hope for a swift return to action for Moreno. Once he returns, Moreno will want to make up for the missed time to make himself a strong candidate for next year's Ballon d'Or shortlist. But as things stand, it looks like a tall order.

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#2 Cesar Azpilicueta

Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League

Cesar Azpilicueta is arguably one of the best bargains in the world of football. Acquired from Marseille, Azpilicueta has been one of the most consistent players in Chelsea's history and is a great footballer and a terrific leader on the field.

It came as no surprise to anyone when Azpilicueta became one of five footballers from Chelsea to make it to the final 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or in 2021. He led the team remarkably and consistently performed for Chelsea in a campaign that began terribly but ended with Champions League glory.

While there is no denying the ability and quality Azpilicueta possesses, it seems like age has finally started to show its effects on the Spanish defender. Despite making the final 30 Ballon d'Or shortlist, Azpilicueta has not been a regular at Chelsea this term.

Azpilicueta will still likely play an important role for the Blues in their current campaign. However, it may not materialize into another appearance on next year's Ballon d'Or shortlist like this time.

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#1 Simon Kjaer

England v Denmark - UEFA Euro 2020: Semi-final

Simon Kjaer's inclusion into the 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d'Or is a testament that some things on the football pitch are bigger than the game itself.

During the European Championship match between Finland and Denmark, Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch. As a true leader, Kjaer ensured that Eriksen's airways remained unobstructed and covered Eriksen while he received treatment on the ground.

It was Kjaer who provided comfort and consoled Eriksen's wife, Sabrina. Kjaer also led Denmark brilliantly as the team reached the semi-finals of the Euros before being knocked out.

It surprised a few when Kjaer was voted 18th on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, but it is understandable why he received such overwhelming support.

While Kjaer may be a solid option at the back for Milan, it's a bit too far-fetched to suggest that he will be able to retain his spot on next year's Ballon d'Or shortlist.