Joan Laporta leads large Barcelona delegation in Paris for the Ballon d'Or
Aitana is set to claim the women's award but Barça have other nominees
FC Barcelona will be one of the winners tonight at the Ballon d'Or Gala in Paris. Aitana Bonmatí, barring any surprises, will win her first award, taking over from Alexia Putellas, the winner of the last two editions. The Blaugrana captain cedes her reign to her team-mate.
That is why the Barça expedition will be led by the club's highest authority, its president Joan Laporta. He will be accompanied by the sporting vice-president, Rafa Yuste, the institutional vice-president, Elena Fort, the manager in charge of women's football, Xavi Puig, and the director Joan Soler.
With the exception of Asisat Oshoala, who is away with her national team, the rest of the nominees from the women's team will be present at the Gala at the Teatreo del Chatelet in Paris. They are Aitana, Patri Guijarro, Mapi León, Fridolina Rölfo and Salma Paralluelo. Supporting them all is their coach, Jonatan Giráldez.
From the men's team, Ilkay Gündogan, who is among the finalists (Lewandowski is not), Ter Stegen, who aspires to the Yashin trophy for best goalkeeper, and Alejandro Balde, who is one of the finalists for the Kopa trophy for best U21 player, will also travel.
