In what feels like the end of an era, football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both been left out of the Ballon d’Or nominee list for the first time in two decades. Since 2003, one or both of these iconic players have consistently been nominated, but the 2023/24 season marks a turning point in football history.
The End of a Legendary Rivalry
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the Ballon d’Or stage for over 15 years, sharing 12 awards between them—Messi with 7 and Ronaldo with 5. Their rivalry has defined a generation of football fans, with debates over who is the greatest player of all time reaching fever pitch over the years. Their consistent excellence, on both club and international stages, made them perennial Ballon d’Or contenders, but this year, the landscape has changed.
The First Time Without Messi or Ronaldo Since 2003
Since Ronaldo’s first nomination in 2004 and Messi’s debut on the list in 2006, both players have remained fixtures in the top echelon of world football. This year’s Ballon d’Or list, however, does not feature either of these two giants of the game. For the first time since 2003, the Ballon d’Or conversation is shifting toward a new generation of stars, marking the end of what many consider football’s most remarkable era.
A New Generation Emerges
With Messi and Ronaldo absent from the 2023/24 Ballon d’Or nominees, attention is now turning to the new breed of footballing talent. Players like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr have taken up the mantle, leading their clubs and countries to success in recent years. The absence of Messi and Ronaldo highlights the shift in footballing power, as younger players are now seizing the spotlight.
The End of an Era
The exclusion of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi from the Ballon d’Or nominees for the first time in 20 years signals the end of a truly legendary era. Their unparalleled rivalry and dominance in football will forever be remembered as one of the most extraordinary periods in the sport’s history.
As football moves forward, a new generation of stars will undoubtedly rise, but the legacies of Messi and Ronaldo will remain unparalleled. Their achievements, records, and unforgettable moments on the pitch have cemented them as two of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
Although they may no longer be in the Ballon d’Or race, their influence on football will last forever.