The Ballon d'Or sets the world's newspapers alight: celebration, shock and a host of questions

The Spanish newspaper "Marca" celebrated the strong Spanish presence among the candidates, six in all, and hailed the return of Lionel Messi to the race. The newspaper couldn't hide its surprise, though, at the shock absence of Barcelona duo Pedri and Raphinha. Both were decisive in last season's La Liga title triumph, and Pedri lifted the World Cup with La Roja. Marca also flagged the continued absence of Cristiano Ronaldo for a fourth year running. Add in the snub of Mohamed Salah, fourth in last year's edition, and the omission of Désiré Doué, who won every trophy on offer with Paris Saint-Germain.

Over at "Mundo Deportivo", the focus fell on Barcelona's three nominees: Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Pau Cubarsi. The award has not landed in the Catalan club's trophy cabinet since 2019, when Messi claimed it for an eighth time. The paper reckons Yamal has a strong chance of getting his hands on the gold for the first time despite not yet turning 19, in his third nomination after finishing runner-up to Ousmane Dembele last year. It also flagged its surprise at the absence of Pedri, Raphinha and Dani Olmo.

In Britain, the Daily Mail focused on Harry Kane and the weight he carries into the race after a historic season with Bayern Munich. The striker scored 73 goals and fired the club to the Bundesliga and cup double. That form makes him a formidable contender, even with compatriots Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham expected to push him hard.

The Mirror posed a different question: would the finest season of Kane's career be enough to make him the first Englishman crowned with the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen's historic win in 2001?

Dismay swept over the Italian press. The newspaper "La Gazzetta dello Sport" voiced its displeasure at the absence of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma while Cape Verde's "Vozinha" made the cut, fretting over the resounding exit of the Italian players and Serie A's representation being cut down to a single Inter Milan player.

Across the border, the mood at French newspaper "L'Équipe" was one of celebration over Paris's sweeping dominance. Paris Saint-Germain became the first club in history to land nine players on the list in two consecutive years.

In Germany, "Bild" seized on the four Bayern Munich players among the 30 nominees, hailing the Bavarian giants' strong showing on the global stage.

 Lennart Karl also caught the newspaper's eye. His entry into the race for the best young player award marks him out as one of the brightest talents in the German game.