No Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the Ballon d’Or shortlist symbolizes the beginning of a new era.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been left off the Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time in more than 20 years.
For the first time in over 20 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appear on the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or. This year marks the conclusion of the superstars’ reign. Messi has won the prize an incredible eight times, including last year. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has won it five times.
Messi currently plays for Inter Miami at the MLS, but is currently out injured. He did win the Copa America last year, making it back-to-back, and also the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Some of the prominent stars nominated this year include Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.
Messi was initially nominated in 2006, and won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, beginning a four-year streak. Meanwhile, Ronaldo was nominated in 2004.
Vinicius, Rodri, and Bellingham are the current favourites to win. Last season, Vinicius and Bellingham won the Champions League, La Liga, and the UEFA Super Cup. Meanwhile, Rodri played an important role in City’s Premier League victory. Rodri also played an important role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football, and it has existed since 1956. In 2022, France Football modified the rules, and the timing also changed, making the achievements focussed on a football season, rather a calendar year. The award is also decided by a single journalist from each country in the top-100 of the FIFA Men’s ranking.
Messi has won the award a record eight times and is now the holder. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has five Ballon d’Or titles and has been nominated a record eighteen times throughout his career. Meanwhile, Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have each received the award three times. Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Kevin Keegan, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have won the award twice.