“When I first saw it, I wasn’t sure if it was legitimate because I wasn’t expecting it.”
It was understandable that Caroline Weir was surprised to have her name on the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist given that her summer was spent watching the European Championship on television rather than starring in Switzerland.
The 30-year-old checked to make sure the list was accurate after missing out on her third major tournament in a row with Scotland.
However, Real Madrid’s self-proclaimed “comeback season,” which included her 11 months without a serious knee injury, was strong enough to place her among the 30 women competing for the honor.
The midfielder is the first female Scot to be nominated for the award, whose winner will be announced in Paris on Monday. This is also a historic moment.
Despite her status as one of Europe’s leading players, Weir is known for her modesty, and she is adjusting her expectations for the evening performance at the Theatre du Chatelet.
She does acknowledge that she is “soak it all in” in the magnificent surroundings and is excited to be rubbing shoulders with legends of the game.
Weir, who “genuinely cannot believe” her nomination, told BBC Scotland, “It’s pretty cool to be included in that kind of company.”
From doubt to success, in particular
Weir deserves to enjoy dressing up and quietly partying in Paris given the suffering she underwent in order to return to her peak.
In a Nations League draw with Belgium at Hampden Park on Monday, she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament just days shy of the two-year anniversary of the incident.
The then-28-year-old, who had just posted phenomenal numbers in her first season in Spain, suffered a devastating blow.
Weir acknowledges that she may have had a stronger Ballon d’Or case a few years ago because she has 28 goals in all competitions since leaving Manchester City.
The record-scorer for the Galacticas said, “I believe statistically you would probably think a nomination like this might come after my first season at Madrid, when my stats were the best they’ve been.”
“I really didn’t put too much pressure on it last season, which is why I think this nomination is more special for me,” I said.
You don’t set out and aim for these kinds of things, especially if you’re recovering from a serious injury; it’s a lot of work and requires a lot of self-assurance.
“I want to watch the World Cup a lot,” he declared.
Weir is aware that Kim Little, the champion of the Champions League, and Erin Cuthbert, the champion of the eight-time women’s super league, have never been nominated for the award since it was established in 2018.
Given that she had no international stage to impress on, something she is desperate to change, her inclusion is particularly impressive.
Scotland missed the World Cup two years prior to that and the Euros were postponed in 2022 due to their absence from Euro 2025.
Sands have shifted, however, already in Melissa Andreatta’s early years of power, which Weir calls “a breath of fresh air.”
Stalwarts have abandoned their positions, allowing Weir and other top performers whose international ambitions are roiling ferociously in decline.
When Weir asked what she still had to accomplish, she replied, “The big one is another tournament with Scotland.”
“That is just really at the top of my mind,” I said. Watching teams like Switzerland and Finland there is never simpler.
No, guys, this time not! Weir to parents
Weir will wear her “Scottish hat on” and “an abundance of” intrigue to Monday’s elegant event.
Although she wants to take as many photos as possible as possible because Pisa will play in a Serie A match with fellow Scottish nominee Scott McTominay, it seems unlikely.
Weir hopes that she and the ex-Manchester United midfielder will inspire young Scots to reach a stage only dreams could reach.
She said, “It’s really cool for young children in Scotland to have two Scots represented.”
Hope that inspires a few children because I would have loved to have witnessed that growing up.
McTominay is the first Scot to appear on the list since Ally McCoist in 1987, which was eight years before Weir was born.
Mhairi and Lindsay, her parents, can recall that moment, but she can’t recall it.
The devoted duo, who, according to the player, “came across really well” in their daughter’s documentary “Galactica,” tried their arm at getting an invitation but were unsuccessful.
Weir continued, “They were really happy]at the nomination – they wanted to come. But I thought, “No guys, not this time!”
“I’ve been nominated, but there are a lot of great players there, so the chances are slim that I’ll be anywhere near the top of the list.”
related subjects
- Women’s Football Team of Scotland
- Scottish Women’s Football
- Scottish Football
- Football
- Women’s Football
