Inter Milan & Netherlands Star On Ballon D’Or Nomination: ‘I Secretly Expected It’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries says that he “secretly expected” to receive a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.

The Dutchman spoke about his place in the thirty-player shortlist, via FCInterNews.

Inter wingback Denzel Dumfries is on the shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

This following a season in which the 29-year-old was a key player for Inter’s run to the Champions League final.

Dumfries proved to be a regular scorer throughout Inter’s season.

However, it was the semifinal tie against Barcelona in the Champions League where the former PSV wingback really set himself apart.

Dumfries shone on the biggest stage as Inter knocked out at the Blaugranas.

Meanwhile, Dumfries has picked up where he left out at the start of this season.

The Dutchman scored for Inter in their second Serie A match of the season against Udinese.

Then, the Inter wingback also scored for his country yesterday. He scored in yesterday’s World Cup qualifying match against Poland.

Inter Wingback Denzel Dumfries: “Secretly Expected” Ballon D’Or Nomination

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Dumfries said of his Ballon d’Or nomination that “it was truly special.”

“I secretly expected it,” the Inter wingback continued.

“But it’s fantastic to be among the top thirty players in the world. It’s a great honour.”

“But then you look back and think about where you started,” Dumfries said. “It’s very emotional to be able to experience all of this.”

“And it also motivates you to keep going,” he added.

“I really didn’t think that I’d be in contention for the Ballon d’Or!” Dumfries said with a laugh.