Ballon d’Or List Features No Messi or Ronaldo, Highlighting Spain’s Top Talent

For the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. The two football icons have dominated this individual honor for years, collectively winning the title a staggering 13 times.

Their exclusion from the 2024 nominees list marks the end of an era, and the focus has shifted toward new and emerging stars, mainly from Spain.

The Era of Messi and Ronaldo Comes to an End

The absence of Messi and Ronaldo from the Ballon d’Or nominee list is a stark reminder that all great eras must eventually come to a close. Messi, who won his record eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 following Argentina’s World Cup victory, continues to play at a high level but has shifted away from the European stage, which could explain his omission.

Now playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, his focus seems to have shifted from competing for European club glory to enjoying the latter stages of his career. Despite these changes, fans and bettors alike remain invested in his performance, with Real-Time Bets becoming increasingly popular as people look to predict his next big moment on the field. As Messi’s career evolves, so does how fans engage with his matches.

On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has been absent from the Ballon d’Or nominations for the second year running. After moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo, like Messi, has stepped away from top-tier European football. His influence on the game remains undeniable, but the Ballon d’Or criteria favor players competing at the highest levels of European club football.

A New Generation Rises

While Messi and Ronaldo’s absence has surprised many, the list of nominees is full of fresh talent ready to take the spotlight. Players like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Erling Haaland have emerged as frontrunners. Each of these players represents the future of football, carrying the potential to fill the void left by two of the greatest players in history.

Bellingham’s rise has been particularly noteworthy. The 21-year-old England international is now plying his trade at Real Madrid, where he has become a vital component of the team. His performances in domestic and international competitions have drawn widespread acclaim, making him a strong contender for the award.

Alongside Bellingham, Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring feats for Manchester City and Mbappé’s continued brilliance at Paris Saint-Germain further emphasize the strength of this new generation.

Spain Dominates the Ballon d’Or Nominees

Spain’s impressive showing at Euro 2024 has also contributed to a noticeable shift in the Ballon d’Or nominations. Fresh off a perfect European Championship campaign, the Spanish national team has six players featured on the nominee list. This includes 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Alejandro Grimaldo, Rodri, and Dani Carvajal.

Rodri, who was named player of the tournament at the Euros, believes Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner. The last Spaniard to win the award was Barcelona legend Luis Suarez in 1960, despite Spain’s multiple international triumphs in recent decades.

The nomination of six Spanish players highlights the country’s dominance in European football over the past year. Spain won all seven of their Euro 2024 matches and led the tournament in goals scored, with 15. Rodri’s statement that “Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner” reflects Spain’s collective pride after their triumph.

Why the Shift in Focus?

Messi and Ronaldo continue to perform well, but their departure from European club football has shifted attention to players currently competing at the highest levels of the sport. The Ballon d’Or, created by France Football magazine, has traditionally focused on achievements within Europe’s elite leagues, where the competition is considered fiercest. With Messi now playing in the MLS and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, the spotlight has naturally turned to younger talents making waves in Europe.

Additionally, the rise of Spanish football following Euro 2024 has given the world new stars to follow. Spain’s resurgence in international football comes after a rebuilding period, and the country now finds itself amid another golden generation. Players like Lamine Yamal, who at 17 is already making his mark at Barcelona, are being hailed as the future of the sport.

The Future of Football Beyond Messi and Ronaldo

While it’s easy to focus on Messi and Ronaldo’s past glories, the Ballon d’Or nominee list shows that football’s future is brighter than ever. Players like Vinicius Junior, who has become a key player for Real Madrid, and Erling Haaland, who is setting records with Manchester City, prove that the sport has no shortage of rising stars.

Spain’s resurgence, combined with the rise of talents from other nations, signals a new era of competition at both the club and international levels. Spain’s emergence as a dominant force in European football, alongside the continued brilliance of players like Mbappé and Bellingham, ensures that the Ballon d’Or will continue to be a coveted prize, even without the two biggest names in the game.

Takeaway

The exclusion of Messi and Ronaldo from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations symbolizes the changing tides in world football. Their absence, however, is less a reflection of their declining abilities and more a sign of the sport’s evolving landscape. As the football world adjusts to life without Messi and Ronaldo dominating the scene, fans can look forward to witnessing the next wave of football legends carve out their path to greatness.

Front page photo credit: Keith JJ