The End of an Era: Messi and Ronaldo Absent from 2024 Ballon d'Or Nominations
In a historic moment for football, the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominations have been revealed, and for the first time in over two decades, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are absent from the prestigious list. This marks a significant shift in the football landscape, as the two legends have dominated the awards scene for the last 21 years. Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, and Ronaldo, who has joined Saudi Al-Nasr, are no longer in contention for the world’s most coveted individual accolade.
This year’s nominees list, announced by France Football magazine, features 30 players, but the glaring omission of Messi and Ronaldo raises questions about the future of football’s elite. Messi, a record 8-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, and Ronaldo, who has claimed the award 5 times, have been the face of football excellence for generations. With their absence, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder who will emerge as the new icons in the sport.
A New Chapter in Football Awards
Since the inception of the Ballon d'Or in 1956, this is only the second time Messi has missed the nominations, with his previous absence occurring in 2005. Ronaldo, at 39 years old, has now missed the nominations for the second consecutive year, despite holding the record for the most nominations at 18. The evolution of the award, which once only recognized European players, now embraces a global talent pool, yet the absence of these two giants marks the end of an era.
As the football world looks forward, the focus shifts to the new generation of players vying for the prestigious award. The nominees include talents who are eager to fill the void left by Messi and Ronaldo, signaling a transformative period in football history.
