Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister issues Ballon d'Or statement as absence explained

Alexis Mac Allister revealed he missed the Ballon d'Orawards ceremony in Paris on Monday night due to 'personal reasons.' The news was quickly shared on Instagram after it was confirmed that the Argentine would not be taking home the Men’s Ballon d’Or, finishing 22nd in the rankings.

Mac Allister was nominated alongside fellow Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtzfor the esteemed accolade, voted by journalists from FIFA's top 100-ranked countries. Posting in both Spanish and English, the Liverpool star revealed on his Instagram profile he wouldn't be there on Monday evening.

It read: "Won't be able to attend @ballondorofficial ceremony today for personal reasons, all the best for everyone, enjoy!"

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The 2022 World Cup winner and his partner, Ailen Cova, are soon expecting their first child together. After attending last Wednesday's Champions Leaguevictory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, she shared a photo of herself cradling her baby bump on her own Instagram profile, captioned 'one more game'. Liverpool then faced Everton on Saturday at Anfield, with Mac Allister shining in the Merseyside derby victory.

The final top 30 rankings for the Ballon d'Or were gradually revealed on social media in the hours leading up to the ceremony. Mac Allister was confirmed to have secured the 22nd spot. This put him ahead of Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, who came in at 28th, and new signing Florian Wirtz, who ranked 29th.

As of now, the top 10 are yet to be announced and Mohamed Salah is still in contention for the award. The Egyptian, who has never made it into the top three for the honour, is expected to compete against Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal.

Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker is in the running for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper of the year, while head coach Arne Slot is a contender for the Johan Cruyff Trophy, given to the best coach of the year.

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