Messi and Ronaldo are missing from the Ballon d’Or nominations! It will be the first time in 21 years that neither of them will appear

For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in the 30-strong Ballon d’Or nomination. The two titans of world football, who have featured in the poll for more than two decades, were not among the candidates this year.

• For the first time since 2003, neither Messi nor Ronaldo are nominated for the Ballon d’Or

• The favourites are Vinícius, Haaland and Kane

• The results will be announced on 28 October in Paris

For the first time in 21 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is in the Ballon d’Or nomination. For the football world, this marks the end of a great era.

Since 2003, the annual France Football poll has been synonymous with the duel of these two greats, who together have collected thirteen Ballon d’Ors – Messi has eight, Ronaldo five.

Messi, who led Argentina to the World Cup title last year, did recently enjoy victory at the Copa América South American championship, but this time it was not enough to be among the nominees again. The same fate befell Ronaldo, who was the Saudi league’s top scorer last season.

Ballon d’Or favourites

This year, the Brazilian striker Vinícius Junior, who led Real Madrid to another Champions League triumph, the Norwegian Erling Haaland, who shone in the Manchester City jersey, and the English striker Harry Kane are expected to have the best chances of winning the trophy. Other strong candidates are Spanish midfielder Rodri and Kylian Mbappé.

The nominations also reflect the success of the Spanish national team, which won the European Championship this year. The candidates therefore include names such as Dani Olmo, Nico Williams and young sensation Lamine Yamal, who has a very promising future ahead of him.

In addition to the player nominations, the focus is also on the award for the best coach. Among the nominees are Xabi Alonso, who excels on the bench of Bayer Leverkusen, Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and the coach of the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente.

The absence of Messi and Ronaldo in this year’s nomination symbolises the end of one of football’s most successful eras. After more than two decades, an era has arrived in which two legendary players are no longer the ones who set the direction of world football.

The name of the winner of the Ballon d’Or for 2024 will be announced on 28 October at a ceremony in Paris. Whoever wins the trophy, one thing is certain. It won’t be Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Source: Goal, France Football