Aitana, Lewandowski, Gundogan... all Barcelona's nominations for the Ballon d'Or

The years go by, the crises, the problems, the difficulties and the smear campaigns against Futbol Club Barcelona continue, but the club is still there, stronger than ever.

This is recognised by 'France Football', the magazine that awards the Ballon d'Or every year, the most important individual award in the world or, at least, the one that everyone gives such recognition to.

Among the 60 nominees for the men's and women's trophy, the 10 for the Kopa Toophy and the 10 for the Yashin trophy, 12 of the candidates wear Blaugrana. It is not Barça's best year quantitatively, although it is still relevant that in each and every one of the four awards there is Barça representation. 

It is true that in the men's Ballon d'Or, the one with the most history behind it, Ilkay Gündogan appears, whose merits to be there were earned wearing the Manchester City shirt. That is why Robert Lewandowski, a league champion in his first year at Camp Nou and also the winner of the Pichichi as top scorer in the Primera División, is the real representative in this award. 

Barça's women's side is the team with the most players in this year's Ballon d'Or. Six players are nominated among the 30 candidates (and it should be more): Fridolina Rolfö, Salma Paralluelo, Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí, Asisat Oshoala and Mapi León. Among all of them, Aitana is the big favourite and, of course, the absence of Alexia Putellas, winner of the last two editions but injured for most of this year, stands out.

Finally, Marc ter Stegen is among the candidates for the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in a list of 10 candidates. The Blaugrana stopper, who won the Zamora last season, is in the running for this prestigious award.