The Ballon d’Or nominations for 2024 will not include two of the sport’s greatest players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. This marks the first time since 2003 that neither of the iconic stars is in the running for the prestigious award.
For over two decades, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the football landscape, sharing 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them (8 for Messi, 5 for Ronaldo). Their fierce rivalry not only captivated fans but also pushed the boundaries of the sport, setting new records and delivering countless memorable moments on the world stage.
The exclusion of the two legends from this year’s shortlist signals a turning point in football, as a new generation of players rise to prominence. However, it also marks the end of an era—one that many will look back on as the golden age of football.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and Lionel Messi, 37, currently with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, have continued their careers in non-European leagues. Their absence from this year’s nominations may indicate that the football landscape is shifting, with other young talents like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and others stepping into the spotlight.
It’s truly the end of a legendary era.
