Ballon d’Or 2024 live updates: Rodri most likely to win in the absence of Vinicius – and no Lionel Messi this year

For the second year in a row, the Lionesses nominees will not take part in the Ballon d’Or ceremony due to a scheduling conflict with the women’s international break.

England players Lucy Bronze, Lauren James And Lauren Hemp made it onto the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or Feminin as head coach Sarina Wiegman is nominated for women’s coach of the year.

However, the Lionesses – who will be without James due to injury – are preparing for Tuesday night’s friendly against South Africa in Coventry when the ceremony takes place in Paris on Monday.

Other leading women’s soccer stars face the same scheduling conflict, including last year’s winner Aitana Bonmatiwho will prepare for Spain’s game against Italy on Tuesday.

Last year there was frustration over the scheduling of the ceremony after lionesses Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Georgia Stanway were unable to attend the event due to an international assignment. Twelve months later, no precautions were taken.

“It’s really disappointing because it’s a moment to celebrate women’s football, so you want to be there,” Wiegman said before the game against South Africa. “But we have a job to do, so we need to be here, and it would be really helpful if they rescheduled it for another date.”