It is a fair reward for how well the Arsenal and Chile forward has taken the English Premier League by storm since signing from Barcelona last summer that the name of Alexis Sanchez is among the 23 players from the world of football that have made the shortlist for the FIFA Ballon D´Or awarded to the best player for the calendar year.
This year´s prize will probably go to either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi again, with the Argentinean perhaps the favourite after he fired Barcelona to the treble of La Liga, Champions League and Copa Del Rey. It is not always the case, but the award usually goes to a player whose team has won at least one major trophy.
The Arsenal striker does fit into that category, having helped the Gunners to a second FA cup in a row and inspiring Chile to a first ever Copa America triumph, but I suspect that Alexis will not be picking up the giant golden ball this time.
After all he was not even voted as the best player in the Premier League and I think he would need to manage that this season in order to stand a real chance next time. However, I believe he has what it takes to do that and if he can lead Arsenal to the EPL title at the same time then he would be seen as a real contender.
It is not as if the Chilean needs a kick up the bum to perform but could the lure of the Ballon D´Or inspire Alexis on to even greater things?