The selection of Novak Djokovic as the presenter for the Women’s Ballon d’Or award, which took place on Monday night and was given to Aitana Bonmati, has been heavily criticized by fans on X (formerly Twitter), being called an ‘outrageous embarrassment.’
The Barcelona midfielder enjoyed a landmark year as an instrumental part of both a Champions League and World Cup-winning side for club and country.
But her achievement was almost overshadowed by France Football’s choice of presenter, with eyebrows raised over the decision to plump for the World No 1.
The Serbian tennis player is not thought to have a significant connection to football – let alone women’s football – and unlike the male honorees, the Spain international was denied the opportunity to receive her award from a legend of the game.
Lionel Messi – who received his eighth Ballon d’Or – was handed the golden orb by Manchester United icon and his Inter Miami paymaster David Beckham, Gary Lineker presented the Gerd Muller Trophy to Erling Haaland, and recently retired Eden Hazard presented Jude Bellingham with the Kopa Trophy.
Only two awards were not handed over by footballing legends – the Lev Yashin trophy, which was given to Emiliano Martinez by his father, and the Socrates Prize for best social initiative by a player, which was handed to Vinicius Jnr by Prince Albert of Monaco.
Djokovic’s inclusion prompted questions from scores of supporters, with one user asking: ‘I don’t understand why Djokovic presented this. He’s not even a feminist or an ally of women’s sports! He has advocated against equal pay in tennis!!!’
Another added: ‘I really don’t understand why Djokovic was chosen to present the women’s Ballon d’Or. With the world watching that was an opportunity to celebrate woman. An opportunity to promote gender equality.
‘There’s a lot about tonight that failed women’s football.’
A third said teasingly: ‘Presented by women’s football legend Novak Djokovic’.
Attention was also drawn to the lack of gender parity between the categories.
Whilst both a men’s and women’s team are honoured for club of the year, there is no trophy for best goalkeeper, best striker, or best young player as there are for male players.
One user stressed: ‘Ballon d’Or 2023 – No awards for: Women’s U21 player, Women’s Gerd Muller, Women’s Lev Yashin. The Women’s award was presented by Novak Djokovic, a player who made it all about him rather than Aitana Bonmati (weeping emoji).
‘Utter disgrace’.
A second continued: ‘And why have you got Novak Djokovic presenting the women’s award just to ask him about men’s football and nothing else? Come on.’
Another wrote: ‘You really let her down with that, like where was the build up to women’s football? Djokovic didn’t mention women’s football once before he presented the award and you forget (sic) to even give it to her at first’.
To add possible insult to alleged injury, after reading Bonmati’s name aloud, Djokovic wandered to the side of the lectern rather than handing over the trophy.
Bonmati arrived on stage and was about to start her speech before another presenter made sure she had her Ballon d’Or in her grasp.
Djokovic’s role in the ceremony was only the latest aspect of the women’s prize to come under fire in the build-up to Monday’s event after the ceremony was scheduled in the thick of the women’s international break.
