The Ballon d’Or 2024 nominations, announced on Wednesday, marked a significant turning point in the history of the prestigious award. For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi were included in the list, signaling the end of an era dominated by these two football legends.
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo, who have won a combined 13 Ballon d’Or awards, has opened the door for a new generation of stars to take center stage. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, two of the most sought-after players in the world, are frontrunners for the award. English prodigy Jude Bellingham, known for his exceptional performances for Real Madrid, is also a strong contender. Adding to the excitement, young Spanish talents Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both key players in Spain’s victorious 2024 European Championship, have also earned nominations.
Messi, who first received a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2006, holds the record for most wins with eight, most recently in 2023 after his triumph with Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ronaldo, nominated for the first time in 2004, has won the award five times.
The duo’s absence from the nomination list is likely due to their departures from top-flight European clubs. Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi joined Inter Miami in the United States.
The Ballon d’Or, considered the most prestigious individual award in football, recognizes the best player in the world based on their performances throughout the year. The 2024 award ceremony will be held in October, and the footballing world eagerly awaits the outcome as the new generation of stars compete for the coveted title.
