“The best players should actually be on this list" - Joshua Kimmich hits out at Ballon d'Or list after teammate doesn't make Top 30

German midfielder Joshua Kimmich has hit out at the compilers of the Ballon d'Or shortlist for leaving out compatriot and Bayern Munich teammate Jamal Musiala from the shortlist. Musiala did not make the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or despite his impressive performances for club and country.

Germany beat Hungary 5-0 to start their UEFA Nations League campaign on a strong note on Saturday, September 7. Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Musiala was the star of the show, starring with a goal and three assists.

Following the final whistle, Joshua Kimmich spoke to the press about his teammate, bashing the shortlist of 30 best players in the world in 2024. The 29-year-old questioned the selection criteria for the shortlist following Musiala's exclusion.

“I don't know what criteria are used to decide the Ballon d’Or list. The best players should actually be on this list. And Jamal is definitely one of them. He showed that again today,” he said via Fabrizio Romano.

Jamal Musiala enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 season despite Bayern Munich failing to win a single trophy. He recorded 12 goals and eight assists in 38 appearances across competitions as he struggled with his fitness for parts of the campaign.

Musiala also scored three goals in five games in Euro 2024 on home soil as Germany were knocked out by eventual winners Spain in the quarterfinals. The youngster formed an impressive partnership with Florian Wirtz, who has since been included in the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

Joshua Kimmich wins first game as Germany captain

Joshua Kimmich led Germany to victory in his first game since being confirmed as captain. The utility player was given the armband as Ilkay Gundogan, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Toni Kroos retired after Euro 2024.

Kimmich saw Niclas Fullkrug open the scoring against Hungary in the 27th minute before Musiala added a second in the second half (57').

Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz scored his side's third goal nine minutes later before Alexander Pavlovic netted his first international goal in the 77th minute. Kai Havertz scored from the penalty spot in the 81st minute as Germany won 5-0 to kickstart their UEFA Nations League campaign.