For the first time since 2003, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have not been named in the list of 30 nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or accolade, as per the Wednesday announcement. Even though Ronaldo has already secured the award in five previous occasions, he was again not included within this year’s nominees, similar to last year. Messi, despite having a remarkable win in the 2023’s award ceremony with a record-breaking eighth trophy and receiving 16 previous nominations, is not among this year’s contenders, albeit Argentina’s achievement in this year’s Copa America.
Amongst the nominees this year, Spain, the conquerors of Euro 2024, have its six players enlisted including Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy from Barcelona. Other Spaniards include Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Alejandro Grimaldo, Rodri and Dani Carvajal who, along with Yamal, also celebrated the Champions League win with Real Madrid.
Nominations from Real Madrid reach seven in total counting Kylian Mbappe, the fresh face from Paris St Germain. Amongst other nominees from Real are Jude Bellingham and the Brazilian Vinicius Junior. Aside from Bellingham, England, the second place achievers at Euro 2024, have Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden in the nomination list.
On the women’s side, for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, Barcelona athletes make up six nominees in total. Aitana Bonmati, the previous year’s trophy winner and Alexia Putellas who has won twice are among them.
The Paris-hosted 2024 Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony, meant to commend the world’s top player, is all set to commence on October 28th.