Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both been left off the 30-player shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or, an award that recognizes the best soccer player in the world.
Messi, who has won the prestigious award eight times, was notably absent from the nominations announced on Wednesday. The award ceremony is set to take place on October 28.
Among the players nominated this year are rising stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane, showcasing a shift towards new talent in the sport.
This marks a significant moment in soccer history, as it is the first time since 2003 that neither Messi nor Ronaldo appears on the list, highlighting a potential changing of the guard in elite soccer.
Interestingly, Messi was the recipient of the award just last year, further emphasizing the unexpected nature of this year’s nominations.
