Ballon d’Or 2024: A New Era Without Messi and Ronaldo

For the first time in over two decades, the Ballon d’Or nominations list does not include either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the most iconic footballers in history. The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations, released recently, signal a shift in the global football landscape, as a new generation of stars takes center stage.

Messi and Ronaldo’s Dominance Comes to an End

Messi and Ronaldo have reigned supreme in the football world for over 20 years, collectively winning the Ballon d’Or 13 times. Messi has lifted the prestigious trophy a record eight times, while Ronaldo has claimed it five times. Their remarkable rivalry and individual brilliance have defined the sport, making this year’s absence from the nominations list a major turning point.

New Stars Rise: Mbappé, Haaland, and Bellingham Lead the Pack

This year’s list of nominees is led by football’s rising stars, with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland being the standout names. Both players have been instrumental for their respective clubs, with Haaland enjoying a record-breaking season with Manchester City and Mbappé continuing to impress with Paris Saint-Germain.

Joining them is England’s Jude Bellingham, who has made waves with his exceptional performances at Real Madrid. His maturity and vision on the field, despite being just 21 years old, have earned him a spot among the elite.

Young Sensations from Spain Shine

The 2024 European Championship also introduced some new faces to the Ballon d’Or list, with Spanish youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams making their debut. Both players played a crucial role in Spain’s successful campaign, showcasing their skills on the biggest stage and earning their place among the world’s best.

Full List of Ballon d’Or 2024 Nominees

Here’s the complete list of players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or:

The Changing Face of Global Football

The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations reflect a changing era in football. While Messi and Ronaldo have dominated for so long, the torch is now being passed to a new generation of players. Mbappé, Haaland, and Bellingham are shaping the future of the sport, but with many talented players emerging, the competition for football’s most prestigious individual award has never been fiercer.

What’s Next for Messi and Ronaldo?

As Messi and Ronaldo step back from their dominance on the Ballon d’Or stage, many are left wondering what’s next for these football legends. Messi, having recently joined Inter Miami and led Argentina to World Cup glory, and Ronaldo, now in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, continue to influence the sport in different ways, but their absence from this year’s nominations signals the end of an era.