Shocking Absence: Ronaldo, Messi Not in Ballon d’Or Nominees List for the First Time Since 2003

The Ballon d’Or has been one of the most prestigious awards in football, celebrating the best players in the world annually. However, for the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has made the Ballon d’Or nominees list.

This marks the end of an era that began in 2003, where the two football legends have dominated the sport, winning the Ballon d’Or a combined 13 times. The announcement of the 2024 nominees on September 4 marked the first time since 2003 that neither Messi nor Ronaldo featured in the list, a significant moment in football history.

The Ballon d’Or, introduced by French magazine France Football, is awarded to the best male footballer in the world based on votes from journalists, national coaches, and captains. Over the years, Messi and Ronaldo have cemented their places in football history by continuously appearing on the list, with their performances for their respective clubs and countries setting a standard of excellence that few have matched.

However, the landscape of football has been changing, and the 2024 list reflects the emergence of new stars while symbolizing the decline of two of the sport’s most iconic figures.

A Two-Decade Streak Comes to an End

Since 2003, either Messi or Ronaldo has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, with both players frequently being the frontrunners for the award.

Messi, who has won the award a record eight times, last claimed the top prize in 2023. On the other hand, Ronaldo, who won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, has secured the award five times.

Their dominance in world football was not just about individual brilliance but also about their intense rivalry, pushing each other to higher levels of performance.

Messi first appeared on the Ballon d’Or list in 2006 and was a mainstay on the list except for 2022. His move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and later to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami in 2023 symbolized his transition away from European football.

Despite his move to MLS, Messi continued to be recognized for his contributions on the international stage, including winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022 with Argentina, a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.

Similarly, Ronaldo’s consistent inclusion in the Ballon d’Or list between 2004 and 2022 reflected his stature as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Despite moving to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, where he remains a prolific scorer, Ronaldo has not made the 2024 Ballon d’Or list.

His career in European football included stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, where he consistently delivered outstanding performances, contributing to his five Ballon d’Or wins.

Messi and Ronaldo: The Last of Their Era

The 2024 Ballon d’Or list signifies a shift in the global football landscape, as it highlights the rising stars and new faces who are now vying for the prestigious award.

Over the past two decades, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the football world, and their absence from the 2024 list signals the beginning of a new chapter in football. The two legends may no longer compete for the Ballon d’Or, but their legacies are firmly entrenched in football history.

Ronaldo, now 38, scored an impressive 54 goals for club and country last season, continuing to demonstrate his prowess in front of goal. Despite this, the global footballing community has seen the rise of younger talents who have taken center stage.

Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or win in 2008 while at Manchester United was a defining moment in his career. Notably, he remains the last Premier League player to win the award, an achievement that still stands out in his storied career.

Messi’s last Ballon d’Or win in 2023 marked another record-setting moment, as he further solidified his status as the greatest of all time. However, his move to the MLS with Inter Miami meant that his time in European football had come to an end, making it harder for him to feature in the Ballon d’Or nominations.

Nonetheless, Messi’s career achievements, including eight Ballon d’Or titles and his success with Argentina, are unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon.

With Messi and Ronaldo absent from the Ballon d’Or list, the 2024 nominees feature a new generation of football stars who have emerged as the frontrunners for the award. These players represent the future of football, and many have already begun to make their mark on the sport.

Erling Haaland, the Premier League top scorer last season, is one of the most notable names on the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees list. Haaland’s performances for Manchester City have catapulted him into the spotlight, and his incredible goal-scoring record makes him one of the top contenders for the award.

Another standout name on the list is Jude Bellingham, who has been an integral part of Real Madrid’s midfield. The young Englishman has impressed with his maturity and skill, and his performances for both club and country have earned him a spot among the top players in the world.

Kylian Mbappe, another prominent name, continues to showcase his talent on the international stage, and his inclusion in the Ballon d’Or nominees reflects his consistent brilliance.

Vinicius Jr, Toni Kroos, and Emiliano Martinez are also among the players who have made it to the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees list. These players represent different generations and playing styles, but all have proven themselves on the global stage, contributing to their respective clubs’ and national teams’ success.

Ballon d’Or Nominees 2024

No.	Name	Country
1	Jude Bellingham	England
2	Ruben Dias	Portugal
3	Phil Foden	England
4	Federico Valverde	Uruguay
5	Emiliano Martinez	Argentina
6	Nico Williams	Spain
7	Erling Haaland	Norway
8	Toni Kroos	Germany
9	Granit Xhaka	Switzerland
10	Artem Dovbik	Ukraine
11	Dani Olmo	Spain
12	Vinicius Jr	Brazil
13	Martin Odegaard	Norway
14	Mats Hummels	Germany
15	Florian Wirtz	Germany
16	Harry Kane	England
17	Rodri	Spain
18	Declan Rice	England
19	Vitinha	Portugal
20	Cole Palmer	England
21	Lamine Yamal	Spain
22	Dani Carvajal	Spain
23	Bukayo Saka	England
24	Hakan Calhanoglu	Turkey
25	William Saliba	France
26	Kylian Mbappe	France
27	Lautaro Martinez	Argentina
28	Ademola Lookman	Nigeria
29	Antonio Rudiger	Germany
30	Alejandro Grimaldo	Spain

The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees list marks a turning point in football history, as the absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since 2003 highlights the changing dynamics of the sport. For two decades, Messi and Ronaldo have been the defining figures in football, shaping its narrative with their performances and rivalry.

However, the 2024 list reflects the emergence of a new generation of talent, led by players like Haaland, Mbappe, and Bellingham, who will likely continue to dominate the sport in the years to come. While Messi and Ronaldo’s legacies are secure, the Ballon d’Or now belongs to a new era of footballers.