THE Jamie Vardy rags to riches story has just got even better – after he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
And predictably, the world of social media has erupted after the news broke.
Some described it as a “great time to be alive”, others highlighted that Vardy was playing non-league only six years ago.
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Some, however, reacted with disbelief that the 29-year-old was included among such illustrious company
The Leicester striker is the only Englishman in the list, with usual suspects Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo heading the field.
Jamie Vardy in the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.. What a time to be alive!
— Daniel Studd (@Studdyy) October 24, 2016
Vardy scored 24 goals last season as the Foxes won the most unlikely of Premier League titles, was playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels in the Northern Premier League in 2010.
He is nominated for the most prestigious prize for individual footballers along with his Leicester teammate Riyad Mahrez, who used to play in the French lower leagues.
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But despite all this, Cristiano Ronaldo is red-hot favourite to win the Ballon d’Or for the fourth time.
The award was presided over by Fifa from 2010 to 2015, but France Football have re-taken charge.
The French magazine are announcing nominees in bunches of fives throughout the day.
Jamie Vardy nominated for the #ballondor
Not a bad rise for a man playing for Stockbridge in 2010 . . . pic.twitter.com/Kv8MMk3uUe
— Unibet (@unibet) October 24, 2016
Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Gianluigi Buffon, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero were the first names released.
Later in the day Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who used to play in the French lower leagues, was surprisingly included.
Jamie Vardy's having a party!
He's made the Ballon d'Or shortlist #ballondor— Jonathan Turnock (@jw_turnock) October 24, 2016
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