Messi and Ronaldo miss out on Ballon d’Or nominations fist time in 21 years

For the first time in over two decades, the Ballon d’Or men’s nominees list does not feature either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, marking the end of an era that began in 2003. The announcement, made on Wednesday, saw the five-time winner Ronaldo miss out for the second consecutive year, while Messi, who claimed his record eighth award in 2023, is also absent despite Argentina’s Copa America triumph.

Spain, fresh off their Euro 2024 victory, leads with six players on the list, including the 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. Joining him are fellow Spaniards Nico Williams, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, and Dani Carvajal, who added another Champions League title to his resume with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid boasts the highest number of nominees with seven players, including new signing Kylian Mbappe and standout talents Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. England, who finished as Euro 2024 runners-up, have six representatives, featuring stars like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden alongside Bellingham.

In the women’s Ballon d’Or Feminin category, Champions League winners Barcelona dominate with six nominees, led by last year’s winner Aitana Bonmati and two-time victor Alexia Putellas. The 2024 Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony, set for October 28th in Paris, promises a new chapter in the quest to crown football’s finest talent, marking a significant shift from the dominance of football's two greatest icons.