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No Messi or Ronaldo on Ballon d'Or Shortlist

Sep 05, 2024

For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo are on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.

Messi, who won the award last year, failed to make the cut despite guiding Argentina to the recent Copa America title.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, was left out for the second year in a row.

Karim Benzema and Luka Modric –the only previous recipients still actively playing – were also not nominated, meaning we’ll have a first-time winner this year.

It’s a perfect opportunity then, for the next generation of stars to step out of these veterans’ shadows.

This year’s nominees include Kylian Mbappe – fresh off his blockbuster move from PSG to Real Madrid.

There’s also his Real teammates and Champions League winners Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal…prolific Man City striker Erling Haaland…Spanish midfield maestro Rodri…and 17-year-old Spain and Barcelona rising star Lamine Yamal.

This is looking to be one of the most open battles for the Ballon d’Or honour in the past decade.

Meanwhile, Man City’s EPL winner Pep Guardiola, Champions League-winning Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and Euro 2024 champion Luis de la Fuente are the favourites for the Coach of the Year prize.

The others in the running are Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta’s Gian Piero Gasperini.

The winners will be announced in Paris on October 28.