Legendary duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been left out of the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominations for the first time since 2003.
For the first time in 21 years, the Ballon d'Or shortlist doesn't feature two of the sport's greatest icons: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi, a record 8-time winner, and Ronaldo, with 5 wins to his name, have dominated the award for nearly two decades. But now, a new generation takes center stage.
Ronaldo, Messi snubbed for 2024 Ballon d'Or
Ronaldo's impressive run began with his first nomination in 2004, and he has racked up the most nominations since then (18).
Messi has 16 nominations with 8 wins, making him the player with the most wins in history, a record that is set to stand for a long, long time.
2024's shortlist includes some of world football's best talents, from Kylian Mbappe to Vinicius Junior, and most people's favourite; Rodri.
These Players will hope to emulate the dominance at the top of the sport enjoyed by Messi and Ronaldo.
In total, 30 players have been shortlisted, including Atalanta and Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman, who scored a hat-trick in their Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Comments