The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations have witnessed a monumental shift in the landscape of football’s most prestigious award. For the first time since 2003, the names of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are absent from the list of nominees. This omission marks the end of an era, a period defined by their unparalleled rivalry and dominance.
From 2004 to 2023, Messi and Ronaldo redefined the Ballon d’Or, consistently featuring as nominees and breaking records as winners. Their decade-long duel captivated fans and pundits worldwide, transcending the boundaries of the sport.
The duo’s journey began in 2004 when Ronaldo received his first Ballon d’Or nomination. Messi followed suit in 2006, joining a landscape where Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Fabio Cannavaro were prominent figures. Kaka, in particular, was the last player other than Messi and Ronaldo to claim the Ballon d’Or before their reign began.
The period from 2008 to 2017 belonged entirely to Messi and Ronaldo. Ronaldo secured his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, followed by Messi’s first in 2009. From that point forward, they alternated between first and second place, occasionally facing a third-place finish, but always remaining miles ahead of their competition.
Messi’s exceptional vision, dribbling skills, playmaking abilities, and goal-scoring prowess led him to win the award a record eight times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), establishing him as the most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history. Ronaldo, known for his extraordinary athleticism and ability to deliver in crucial moments, clinched the coveted trophy five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), solidifying his position as the second most decorated player after Messi.
While their dominance seemed unbreakable, cracks started to appear in 2018. Croatian midfielder Luka Modric broke their ten-year hold on the award, winning the Ballon d’Or thanks to his impressive performances for Real Madrid and Croatia’s journey to the World Cup final. Messi rebounded with victories in 2019 and 2021, while Ronaldo consistently remained in the top three. Following Modric’s win in 2018, Karim Benzema claimed the coveted trophy in 2022, before Messi secured his record-breaking eighth win last year in 2023.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee list represents a significant turning point for football. With Messi now playing for Inter Miami in the MLS and Ronaldo competing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, both legends have entered the twilight of their careers. Their absence from the nominations signifies a changing of the guard, paving the way for a new generation of football stars to take center stage.
In total, Ronaldo and Messi combined for an impressive 13 Ballon d’Or trophies between 2008 and 2023. Their rivalry extended beyond personal glory; it fueled their respective teams, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Argentina, and Portugal, to achieve unprecedented success. The impact of their absence will undoubtedly be felt as football enters a new era, devoid of the legendary rivalry that captivated the world for two decades.
