For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi have been nominated for the prestigious men’s Ballon d’Or, marking the end of an era in football. The official list of 30 nominees, revealed on Wednesday, includes emerging talents such as England’s Jude Bellingham, sparking excitement for a new generation of football superstars.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was also left out last year, signaling a shift in the global football landscape. Lionel Messi, who holds a record eight Ballon d’Or titles, including his latest win in 2023, surprisingly missed out this year despite leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America.
Spain’s dominance at Euro 2024 is reflected in the nominees, with six Spanish players making the list. Among them is 17-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, one of the youngest ever to be nominated. Other Spanish stars include Nico Williams, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, and Dani Carvajal, the latter also having secured a Champions League title with Real Madrid.
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Real Madrid boasts seven nominees, including French star Kylian Mbappe, who recently signed from Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Jude Bellingham and Brazil’s Vinicius Junior. England, runners-up in Euro 2024, also has a strong presence with five nominees: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden, further highlighting the nation’s football resurgence.
On the women’s side, Champions League winners Barcelona lead the nominations, with six players shortlisted. Aitana Bonmati, last year’s winner, and two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin champion Alexia Putellas are among the top contenders, poised to make their mark once again.
The highly anticipated 2024 Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony, where the world’s best male and female players will be crowned, is set to take place on October 28 in Paris.
