Golden Ball for Kerstin Casparij, but Netherlands puts her on the bench

While Kerstin Casparij celebrates a Golden Ball nomination this week, she must settle for a place on the bench for the Netherlands. The 26‑year‑old Manchester City defender received the news via a notification on Instagram and was able to share her joy immediately with her teammates. The contrast between worldwide recognition and national rejection is central to her current season.

Nomination and club performances

Through an Instagram‑notification Casparij discovered that she had been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in football. She described her reaction as “extremely happy” and “extremely proud”. As vice‑captain she led Manchester City to the league title, provided eight assists – the highest number in the competition – and scored three goals.

This season she also remains indispensable in City’s starting eleven, contributing to a perfect start with five wins. Her performances were confirmed by Maarten Teunisse of Sport, who described the nomination as a logical step given her statistics.

Battle for the starting place with the Netherlands

With the Netherlands Casparij still has to settle for a bench spot, because Lynn Wilms is currently winning the battle for the right‑back position. National team coach Arjan Veurink, who initially spoke of a competition for places, indicated after the two‑leg tie against Hungary that Wilms “at this moment is winning the battle”.

Lynn Wilms and Lineth Beerensteyn lead the Oranje Leeuwinnen to the final

Veurink emphasized that Wilms has an edge in the attacking game, with six assists and two goals in ten matches for the Netherlands. He praised her “fantastic crossing” as an additional quality that the team can make good use of. Wilms provided an assist to Lineth Beerensteyn against Hungary.

Casparij accepts the situation and points to the long‑running competition between her and Wilms, who are the same age. “It is the national coach’s decision. We both do our best to be in that position,” Casparij said.

Despite the bench role Casparij looks forward to the Golden Ball gala. “I haven’t been to many football galas, so I’m curious. This is something you dream of and always hope you will get to attend,” she said. The latest update from Sport came at 09:32, shortly after the Instagram notification.