For the first time in over two decades, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are absent from the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Since 2003, the two football icons have been mainstays in the race for the prestigious award, with Messi claiming it seven times and Ronaldo five. However, their era of dominance seems to be winding down.
Messi, who recently moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, enjoyed significant success with Argentina, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But his move to a lower-tier league appears to have shifted attention to younger stars. Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, also saw his influence on the world stage fade, despite his glittering career and numerous accolades.
This year’s Ballon d’Or list is dominated by rising stars like Erling Haaland, who helped Manchester City secure a treble, and Kylian Mbappé, who continues to shine for both PSG and France. Other contenders include Kevin De Bruyne and Vinícius Júnior, players who have taken the spotlight as Messi and Ronaldo step aside.
Football pundits are calling this a “changing of the guard,” marking the end of an era that shaped modern football. “Messi and Ronaldo defined a generation, but the game moves forward. We’re now seeing a new wave of talent,” said one analyst.
Fans around the world are reflecting on the incredible rivalry between the two players, which provided countless unforgettable moments. While Messi and Ronaldo’s absence is notable, their legacy remains firmly cemented in football history.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will usher in a new chapter, with attention turning to the next generation of football superstars.
