Ronaldo and Messi Omitted from Ballon d'Or Nominations After Two Decades

For the first time in over 20 years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will not feature in the Ballon d'Or nominations. The recent list includes six English and six Spanish players, with notable names like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland in contention.

In a historic shift, football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been excluded from the Ballon d'Or nominations for the first time in over 20 years. Messi, who has clinched the award a record eight times, last won it just last year. Portuguese legend Ronaldo has received the accolade five times throughout his career.

Currently, Ronaldo is playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while Messi has taken his talents to the United States, where he recently helped Inter Miami secure their first-ever trophy. Ronaldo earned his inaugural Ballon d'Or in 2008 while with Manchester United, and he remains the last Premier League player to capture the prestigious award. Messi's winning streak began in 2009, leading to 16 consecutive nominations.

The latest list of 30 nominees features six English players: Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice. Bellingham's exceptional debut season with Real Madrid and his contributions to England's journey to the Euro 2024 finals earned him a nomination. The Euro 2024 champions Spain also have six representatives: Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, and Alejandro Grimaldo. Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Manchester City's Erling Haaland are strong contenders, alongside other high-profile names like Kylian Mbappe.

Additionally, Emiliano Martinez, the golden glove winner from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has been included in the list. The 30 players vying for this year's Ballon d'Or include Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Bukayo Saka, Ruben Dias, William Saliba, Fede Valverde, Cole Palmer, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, Martin Odegaard, Emiliano Martinez, Granit Xhaka, Artem Dovbyk, Harry Kane, Mats Hummels, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nico Williams, Phil Foden, Florian Wirtz, Dani Olmo, Declan Rice, Vitinha, Ademola Lookman, Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Antonio Rudiger.

(With inputs from agencies.)