On September 4, the Ballon d’Or nominees were announced, revealing a major change: neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is on the list. This is the first time since 2003 that both stars have been absent.
Fabrizio Romano, a football insider, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter):
“OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, out of the Ballon d’Or nominees for the first time since 2003.”
The announcement quickly sparked reactions from fans on social media. Many expressed surprise and sadness, with one fan writing,
“End of an Era💔.”
“The rivalry was something else. It was special.” another fan said.
“Lionel Messi is still the current Ballon D’or holder Meanwhile we can’t remember the last time Barnabas won one 😌” one fan opined.
The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is popular. And it is impossible that fans don’t bring it up when both player’s name arises. Here are some more reactions from fans on X:
“Ronaldo should have won 2 and Messi 12 if at all that competition was fare” a fan wrote.
“Football becoming normal after these two Legends Before there era u need at least 30Goal maybe and you will win Ballon D’or” a fan said.
“This should be the final ranking in my book: 1. Rodri 2. Carvajal 3. Haaland 4. Mbbape 5. Vinicius 6. Bellingham” one fan opined.
Also read: Lionel Messi’s wife Anotonela shared pictures of their luxury yacht adventure
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo missing from 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees
For the first time in the last 21 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are missing from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees. Lionel Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or a record 8 times, last won in 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner, had been on the list every year from 2004 to 2022.
Messi moved to MLS with Inter Miami, and Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr last year. Ronaldo scored 54 goals for club and country last season but still did not make the list.
The 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, and Erling Haaland.
Detailed list of Ballon d’Or nominees:
- Jude Bellingham
- Ruben Dias
- Phil Foden
- Federico Valverde
- Emiliano Martinez
- Nico Williams
- Erling Haaland
- Toni Kroos
- Granit Xhaka
- Artem Dovbik
- Dani Olmo
- Vinicius Jr
- Martin Odegaard
- Mats Hummels
- Florian Wirtz
- Harry Kane
- Rodri
- Declan Rice
- Vitinha
- Cole Palmer
- Lamine Yamal
- Dani Carvajal
- Bukayo Saka
- Hakan Calhanoglu
- William Saliba
- Kylian Mbappe
- Lautaro Martinez
- Ademola Lookman
- Antonio Rudiger
- Alejandro Grimaldo
The winner will be announced on October 28.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to training after St. Tropez vacation with Georgina Rodriguez