Neither Lionel Messi Nor Cristiano Ronaldo Make The Ballon d’Or List Since 2003

Posted by: Eninu William in International Football September 5, 2024

For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi, who won the prize for a record eighth time last year, nor five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo received nominations for the Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo was left off of the nomination list the year before, while Messi was left off even though his Argentina team won the Copa America in July of this year.

Among the thirty nominees for the men’s award this year were some of the current biggest names in football. Vini Jr, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Rodri, and Kylian Mbappe are some of the nominees. Euro 2024 Winners, Spain has six players who have been nominated for football’s biggest individual prize. These include Nico Williams, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, and 17-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal.

Similarly, six English players were nominated for the coveted accolade. These include strikers Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice, and captain Harry Kane.

On the women’s league;

Meanwhile, five American athletes were included in the women’s list of nominees a few weeks ago. This is in addition to goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, captain and midfielder Lindsey Horan, and strikers Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. Five Spanish players—Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Patri Guijarro, Salma Paralluelo, and Alexia Putellas—made the list too. A year after winning the World Cup, Spain placed fourth in the Olympics.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso, Luis De La Fuente, Lionel Scaloni, Carlo Ancelotti and Gian Pierro Gasperini will battle for the ‘best coach’ accolade. Atalanta and Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman is the only African on the list. South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made history as the first player to be voted for the Lev Yachine trophy (best goalkeeper) while playing on the African continent.

The main event will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. This is where the winner will be announced on the 28^th October.

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