The Arsenal defender was shortlisted for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, but his final ranking has sparked frustration among supporters

William Saliba's 29th-place finish in the Ballon d'Or rankings has sparked outrage among Arsenal supporters, who have taken to social media to express their frustration. The French defender was one of three Arsenal players named on the 30-man shortlist, alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice, following an impressive campaign for the club.

Saliba played an instrumental role in helping Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in more than two decades last season, while also reaching their first Champions League final since 2006. However, Mikel Arteta's side suffered heartbreak in the European stage, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain after a 1-1 draw.

The Ballon d'Or rankings are traditionally announced in the hours leading up to the ceremony, which is being held in London on Monday evening. Saliba was placed joint-29th alongside former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

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Explaining Saliba's inclusion on the shortlist, the Ballon d'Or website stated: "The cornerstone of Arsenal's title success – their first for 22 years – William’s lethal combination of elegant and robust defending helped Arsenal procure 26 clean sheets last season.

"This is the French star's second Ballon d’Or nomination. He was born in Bondy, France - the same hometown as fellow French star Kylian Mbappe, where both were coached at AS Bondy by Kylian's father."

Meanwhile, Gabriel finished 21st in the rankings, while Rice was placed 15th.

However, the positions of all three Arsenal stars have not gone down well with supporters, with many questioning how their performances over the past season have been assessed.

One frustrated fan wrote: "All seriously underrated. Particularly right now Rice and Gabriel are the best in their positions in the world."

Another commented: "Cucurella better than Big Gabi and Willo is a joke."

A third supporter was equally unimpressed, writing: "This is a big disrespect to our players. Ballon d’Or only favours Spanish players or players that plays outside the Prem.

"How can you tell me Declan Rice is 15th and Saliba 29th?? What a joke."

Another fan questioned the rankings, adding: "Are you guys kidding me.... How the hell is a Mexican striker ahead of Saliba and how is the best CB duo in Europe not in top 15, jokes.

"And you're here celebrating it like we weren't clearly robbed, lol."