Ballon d’Or 2024: No Messi or Ronaldo on Ballon d’Or Shortlist for First Time Since 2003

For the first time in over two decades, the Ballon d’Or 2024 shortlist has been revealed without two footballing legends, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The world of football is witnessing a significant shift as a new generation of superstars takes center stage, vying for the prestigious individual award. After a memorable 2023-2024 season, names like Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Rodri are among the top contenders for the Golden Ball, symbolizing the changing landscape of the sport.

The New Era: 2024 Ballon d’Or Nominees

With Messi and Ronaldo absent from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, the spotlight turns to emerging stars who have dazzled in the last year. The absence of these two icons, who dominated world football for over 15 years, marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in football’s history.

Key Nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2024:

• Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid): The Brazilian winger has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success over the past few seasons. His explosive speed, creativity, and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a top contender for the award.
• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): After making a high-profile switch to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, the young English midfielder has showcased his versatility and maturity beyond his years. His performances in LaLiga and the Champions League have been nothing short of extraordinary.
• Rodri (Manchester City): A key player in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, Rodri’s dominance in the midfield has been a crucial factor in their Premier League and Champions League triumphs. His ability to control games and contribute with important goals has put him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.

These players represent a new generation of footballing talent who are ready to step out of the shadows of Messi and Ronaldo, and write their own legacies.

The Impact of Messi and Ronaldo’s Absence

The omission of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the Ballon d’Or shortlist is historic. Since 2003, at least one of the two has always been nominated, with the pair combining to win an astonishing 12 Ballon d’Or awards between them (seven for Messi and five for Ronaldo). Their dominance was a constant in world football, and their rivalry shaped an entire era.

While Messi, now playing in the MLS with Inter Miami, continues to excel in his late career, and Ronaldo is still performing in Saudi Arabia, their omission from this year’s shortlist highlights the shift toward younger, emerging talents. It signals the end of an era but also a renewed excitement for what the future holds.

A Look at the Other Contenders

Beyond Vinicius Jr, Bellingham, and Rodri, several other top players are in the running for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. These stars have dominated in leagues across Europe, showcasing their skill on both domestic and international stages:

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Fresh off a record-breaking season, Haaland set the Premier League alight with his goalscoring prowess, helping Manchester City secure the treble. His contributions make him a serious contender for the award.
• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): The French forward continues to impress with his pace, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the pitch. Mbappé was pivotal in PSG’s domestic campaigns and performed strongly in the European Championship for France.
• Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): Another Manchester City player who had an exceptional season, De Bruyne’s playmaking skills were vital in City’s march to European glory. His vision, passing, and leadership make him a worthy contender.

Major Tournaments Shaping the Ballon d’Or Race

The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations reflect the influence of both domestic leagues and international tournaments. The Champions League, Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, and Serie A have all produced standout performances from the shortlisted players. Additionally, the Copa America and the European Championship have further solidified certain players’ claims to the coveted award.

Vinicius Jr and Rodri benefitted from their success in the Champions League with Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham’s transition from Bundesliga to LaLiga with Real Madrid has only enhanced his standing as one of the brightest young talents in the game.

The Paris 2024 Ceremony: What to Expect

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on October 28, 2024, in Paris, where the winner of football’s most prestigious individual award will be announced. While the absence of Messi and Ronaldo will make the event feel different from years past, the excitement surrounding the new generation of football stars is palpable.

This year’s shortlist promises an intense battle, with no clear frontrunner. The sheer talent of the likes of Vinicius Jr, Haaland, and Mbappé ensures that the 2024 Ballon d’Or will be one of the most hotly contested in years.

Conclusion

The 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, without Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, marks the dawn of a new era in football. After two decades of dominance by these two legends, the spotlight now shines on a new generation of stars eager to carve their names in history. With players like Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Erling Haaland leading the charge, the future of football looks bright.

As we look forward to the ceremony in Paris, it’s clear that the Ballon d’Or 2024 will be a defining moment for world football, showcasing the immense talent that is set to dominate the sport for years to come.