Official: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Left Out of Ballon d'Or Nominees for the First Time Since 2003
For the first time in two decades, the Ballon d'Or nominees list will not include Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. This marks a significant moment in football history, ending an era where these two legends dominated the world stage and consistently vied for the title of the world's best player.
Since 2003, Ronaldo and Messi have been synonymous with excellence in football. Between them, they have won the Ballon d'Or an astonishing 12 times, with Messi holding the record with 7 wins and Ronaldo close behind with 5. Their names have become almost automatic inclusions in the list of nominees, as both players redefined what it means to be great in the sport.
The exclusion of these two icons from the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees reflects the inevitable passing of the torch to a new generation of football stars. While Ronaldo and Messi have continued to perform at high levels—Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr and Messi in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami—their absence from the list signals that their era of dominance in Europe’s top competitions has come to a close.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have set records, created unforgettable moments, and inspired millions around the world. Their rivalry has been one of the most compelling narratives in sports, driving each other to reach new heights. However, as they transition into the latter stages of their careers, the spotlight is shifting toward younger players who are now making their mark.
For football fans, this moment is bittersweet. On one hand, it represents the end of an extraordinary chapter in football history. On the other, it highlights the emergence of new talents who are ready to take on the mantle. Players like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and others are now at the forefront, poised to define the next era of the sport.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or will now be a contest among these new stars, with the world watching to see who will emerge as the best player on the planet. The absence of Ronaldo and Messi will undoubtedly be felt, but their legacies are already cemented as two of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
As we move forward, it’s a time to celebrate not only the achievements of the nominees but also to reflect on the incredible contributions that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have made to football. Their influence on the game will be remembered for generations, even as a new wave of talent takes center stage.
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