By Ronaldo and Messi Omitted from Ballon d’Or Nominations
For the first time since 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are missing from the Ballon d’Or nominees list. The 30-player list announced on Wednesday features England’s Jude Bellingham among the top contenders.
Ronaldo and Messi Left Out
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, did not receive a nomination last year either. Lionel Messi, who won the award a record eighth time in 2023 and has been nominated 16 times, is absent this year, despite Argentina’s Copa America win.
Spain’s Strong Showing
Spain, the Euro 2024 champions, have six players on the list. Notable nominees include 17-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, as well as Nico Williams, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, and Dani Carvajal, who also won the Champions League with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Dominance
Real Madrid boasts seven nominees, including Kylian Mbappe, recently signed from Paris Saint-Germain. Other Real Madrid players nominated are Jude Bellingham and Brazil’s Vinicius Junior.
England’s Contenders
England, runners-up at Euro 2024, have five more nominees alongside Bellingham: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden.
Women’s Ballon d’Or Féminin
In the women’s Ballon d’Or Féminin, Barcelona, the Champions League winners, have six nominees, including last year’s winner Aitana Bonmati and two-time winner Alexia Putellas.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony will take place on October 28 in Paris.
