Messi and Ronaldo left the Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time in 21 years
Neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or for the first time since 2003.
Messi was expected to be among the 30 selected after leading Argentina to the Copa America trophy in July and Ronaldo was in top form for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
But the Inter Miami striker, who won his eighth BdO last year, was not included with Ronaldo also absent.
These are the best players in the world…
Voici les nommés pour le Ballon d’Or Masculin 2024!#football pic.twitter.com/ttHgpt0iXr
— L’ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) September 4, 2024
It is a clear sign though that Messi and Ronaldo’s reign in world football is over, perhaps not surprisingly as they are 37 and 39 years old.
Vinicius Jnr is the favorite to receive the award on October 28 after a fantastic season in which he played a key role in Real Madrid winning La Liga and the Champions League twice. Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham is also among the favorites after a fine start to the campaign at the Bernabeu.
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Manchester City midfielder Rodri is Madrid’s closest link after starring as Pep Guardiola’s side won their fourth consecutive Premier League title and helped Spain to the European Championship in the summer.
Rodri is joined by fellow Spaniard Dani Carvajal – who has also helped Madrid to domestic and European success – Dani Olmo, teenager Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Alejandro Grimaldo are all nominated.
England, who lost the final to Germany, also have six players selected as Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are all linked with Bellingham.
Ours is 2024 #BallonDor the nominees 🥁
🏴 @BellinghamJude
🏴 @HKane
🏴 @PhilFoden
🏴 Cole Palmer
🏴 @BukayoSaka87
🏴 @_DeclanRiceCongratulations, guys! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/3t525JAC6c
– England (@England) September 4, 2024
Although Messi was not named, Argentina teammates Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez played their prominent roles in their country’s Copa victory.
Other key players to be included are Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Granit Xhaka and the retired Toni Kroos.
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