Messi and Ronaldo OUT from Ballon d'Or Nominations for the First Time in 21 Years

For the first time in two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. This marks the first absence of the legendary duo from the nomination list since 2003.

Messi, a record eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, and Ronaldo, who has claimed the award five times, were both omitted from the list of 30 nominees released on Wednesday. The award ceremony is set to take place on October 28.

Notable contenders this year include Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane, as the new generation of football stars takes center stage.

Messi and Ronaldo dominated the Ballon d'Or for over a decade, collectively winning it 13 times between 2008 and 2021. Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, claimed the prize last year after leading Argentina to World Cup glory.

Historically, Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or wins with eight, while Ronaldo boasts the most nominations with 18, compared to Messi’s 16.

This year’s omission signals the close of a remarkable chapter in football history.

Source: ESPN