End of an Era: First Time Since 2003, Ronaldo and Messi Omitted from Ballon d'Or Nominations

Unquestionably, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the best football players of all times. For over twenty years, their extraordinary talent, endurance, and tireless quest for greatness have dominated the sport. Approaching the twilight of their careers marks a historic conclusion of an era that has fundamentally influenced football history. Their legacy will surely remain and change the beautiful game permanently. 

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been left out of the top 30 Ballon d’Or nominations for the first time since 2003

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have outstanding Ballon d'Or performances. After leaving Sporting CP for Manchester United, Portuguese sensation Ronaldo was first nominated in 2004. With 18 nominations overall, he has the most ever recorded.

Ronaldo was nominated fifteen times straight after 2004. But in 2023, he was omitted off the list for the first time since his first nomination. Ronaldo, after Messi, has been the second biggest winner in history having received the Ballon d'Or five times during his career—in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.

Especially, Ronaldo had his most conclusive triumph in 2016 after Portugal's triumph in the Euros and Real Madrid's glory in the UEFA Champions League. He came in 20th place in 2022, his lowest ranking position.

By contrast, Lionel Messi has been nominated sixteen times; his first mention came in 2006. Messi followed a less successful season with Paris Saint-Germain, hence except from 2022, he reached the shortlist every year until then.

Years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023 round eight Ballon d'Or winners for Messi Before Ronaldo received the accolades in 2013 and 2014, he famously won the trophy four years in succession from 2009 to 2012.

In his first year, 2006 Messi ranked twenty-first. He often placed in the top three in the Ballon d'Or rankings from 2007 to 2017.

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are out of Europe and are currently continuing their football endeavours in the Middle East and the USA. Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 39, is dominating the Saudi Pro League and has been scoring goals regularly.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi has been struggling to return from an ankle injury. The 37-year-old was injured in the Copa America final. The MLS-based team, Inter Miami, is awaiting their captain’s return.