Dovbyk, Hummels and Giugliano in the running for the 2024 Ballon d'Or

Back in 2001, it was Francesco Totti and Damiano Tommasi. Today, in 2024, it’s Artem Dovbyk and Mats Hummels. 

The news broke on the evening of 4 September, shortly after the club announced the signing of the German defender. 

This latest move capped off a transfer window that brought 12 new faces to Trigoria, showcasing the ownership’s significant effort to strengthen and rejuvenate the team.

What a season for Artem and Mats!  

Dovbyk and Hummels have both been nominated for football’s most prestigious individual trophy in 2023-24, in recognition of their outstanding performances with Girona and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. Dovbyk’s goals spoke for themselves: 24 in 36 matches saw him finish top of the scoring charts in La Liga with Girona, helping them qualify for the Champions League group stages for the first time in their history. The Pichichi winner outscored stars like Robert Lewandowski (19), Jude Bellingham (19), Antoine Griezmann (16) and Alvaro Morata (15).  

Hummels, on the other hand, played a key role in Borussia Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final, often dominating games, deciding the semi-final against PSG, winning two POTM awards and making 133 key passes throughout the competition. He outperformed notable defenders like Ruben Dias and Marquinhos.

Back in 2001

After Roma’s third league title, Totti and Tommasi were shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or. Totti, the captain of Fabio Capello’s successful Roma side, bagged 13 league goals and delivered world-class performances consistently. Tommasi, a revelation that season, had a performance level comparable to the best of Lothar Matthaus and Frank Rijkaard. 

That edition of the Ballon d’Or (2000-01) was won by Michael Owen, with Totti finishing fifth with 57 votes. Tommasi finished 18th, tied with others such as Giovane Elber, Sami Hyypia, Gaizka Mendieta, Emmanuel Olisadebe, Roberto Carlos and Ebbe Sand, each receiving two votes.

Giugliano makes history

Returning to the present, it is also worth noting Manuela Giugliano’s nomination for the 2024 women’s category, which has made history for several reasons.

She is the first-ever Roma player to make it into the elite European rankings and also the first Italian woman to achieve such a feat. It is no coincidence that she wears the iconic number 10 for Roma, a number reserved for the greatest. Quite the accomplishment.