For the first time since 2003, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are not on the Ballon d’Or nominees list football, this is a piece of major news. For many years, both athletes have been first contenders. Ronaldo has five times the honour; Messi has eight times.
The outstanding football player in the world receives the Ballon d’Or. New names abound in this year. Among the nominees are guys like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham.
Ronaldo and Messi have switched leagues. Ronaldo is in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr; Messi is presently playing for Inter Miami in the United States. Their disappearance from the list signals the end of a football era.
Seeing their preferred players absent from the list shocks and saddens fans. Still, this also provides fresh stars with an opportunity for brilliance. October 28 in Paris will see the Ballon d’Or ceremony.