No Ronaldo or Messi in the Ballon D’or top 30 for the first time since 2003

For the first time in two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not among the top 30 candidates for the esteemed Ballon d’Or prize, signaling the conclusion of a significant era in football. The upcoming 2023/2024 season will be notable not only for the achievements of rising stars, but also for marking the end of two football legends who have been dominant in the sport for twenty years. From 2003 onwards, the Ballon d'Or has mainly been dominated by these two legends, Ronaldo and Messi, who have become closely associated with the prestigious award. The fact that they are not included on this year's list of nominees marks a significant moment that encourages contemplating their impact, the changing nature of football, and the future of the sport.

The Unprecedented Era of Ronaldo and Messi:

Between 2008 and 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the Ballon d'Or awards, winning a total of 12 out of the 14 titles. The competition between them has been a captivating story in football, likened to legendary sports rivalries throughout history. Messi's agility, creativity in creating plays, and incredible dribbling abilities were very different from Ronaldo's strength, exceptional physical abilities, and natural instinct for scoring goals. The contrast in styles led to an ongoing debate among fans over who was the superior player.

Apart from their personal awards, Messi and Ronaldo's impact also reached their respective teams. Messi's Barcelona and Ronaldo's Real Madrid were dominant forces, consistently competing at the highest echelons of European competitions each year, primarily due to their individual impacts. Their battles in El Clásico were legendary, captivating viewers worldwide.

Despite some achievements by other top players like Luka Modrić (2018 Ballon d'Or winner) and Robert Lewandowski, it was Messi and Ronaldo who changed the definition of a top football player. Their unmatched success in modern football is a result of their reliability, durability, and composure in high-pressure situations. Therefore, being included in the Ballon d'Or top 30 nominees list year after year was essentially expected.

The Twilight Years: 2023 and the Winds of Change:

As the 2023/2024 football season drew near, it became more evident that both Messi and Ronaldo were entering the final stage of their careers. At 38 years old, Ronaldo moved from the top European leagues to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in early 2023. Although still a strong competitor, his decision to leave the intense competition of Europe reduced his likelihood of winning the Ballon d'Or. Although his statistics remained impressive, competing in leagues outside of Europe's top tier made it more difficult for him to keep up with younger, more dynamic players in UEFA tournaments.

On the flip side, Lionel Messi was a top contender for the 2022 Ballon d'Or following his role in guiding Argentina to victory at the World Cup in Qatar. Nevertheless, after transferring to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi's skills, although still exceptional, were showcased in a league of lower stature. Although his accomplishments in MLS were important for the development of soccer in the United States, they did not have the same impact as his successes in European football. Due to both his increasing age and the decreased level of competition, Messi found it challenging to maintain his position among the top global players for the season.

Both players stood out with exceptional individual showings, but the rise of new talents and gradual decline of their supremacy became evident with the nominations for the 2023/2024 season.

The New Guard: Emerging Talents:

The Ballon d'Or nominations for 2023/2024 are filled with fresh talents as Ronaldo and Messi move aside from the limelight. Football stars such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham are not only the future of the sport, but also its current top players.

Erling Haaland has been dominant in the Premier League and Champions League this season, setting records with his goal-scoring prowess for Manchester City. His contributions played a key role in City's success in winning three trophies, positioning him as a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or in the current year.

Kylian Mbappé, often referred to as the successor to Messi and Ronaldo, continues to display his impressive abilities with both PSG and the French national team. He is only 25 years old, but he has already won a World Cup and is considered one of the most intimidating forwards in global soccer.

Vinícius Júnior has quickly evolved into an important player at Real Madrid, showcasing rapid speed along with better finishing and decision-making skills. He is a standout player from the new generation, able to assume a leadership role at a top global club.

Jude Bellingham, the talented English player at Real Madrid, has established himself as one of the top young midfielders globally. His ability to control the pace of matches, along with his leadership and maturity, have established him as a top player in both La Liga and at the international level.

The appearance of these stars in the top 30 candidates list indicates a change in the hierarchy of football. Although they have not reached the consistent level of greatness that Messi and Ronaldo maintained for more than ten years, it is clear that their talent is undeniable. The future of football is secure, despite the sport bidding goodbye to two of its all-time greatest players.

What Ronaldo and Messi Leave Behind:

As football adapts to a post-Ronaldo and Messi era in the Ballon d’Or race, it's important to consider the lasting impacts they have made. Both athletes revolutionized the definition of success in football and established new standards for becoming a soccer legend.

Cristiano Ronaldo revolutionized goal-scoring through his remarkable dedication, physical condition, and reliability. His professionalism is evident in his ability to transition from a winger to a lethal striker, sustaining elite performance for close to twenty years. Ronaldo's achievements in the UEFA Champions League, such as his five championships and goal-scoring records, might prove timeless.

Lionel Messi's impact is not just in his goals but in his unmatched capacity to affect all parts of the game. In today's soccer, no one can match his superb dribbling, exceptional vision, and talent for elevating his teammates. The crowning achievement in Messi's career was when he triumphed at the World Cup in 2022, adding to his already impressive collection of individual and team awards. His legacy remains as potentially the most exceptional all-around player the sport has witnessed.

Both Messi and Ronaldo changed the way football is perceived worldwide, going beyond just numbers and awards. They drew significant focus on La Liga and later on Serie A and Ligue 1. Their unwavering brilliance compelled their peers on the team, in competition, and across clubs to raise their levels, enhancing the competitiveness and enjoyment of European football.

A Future Without Messi and Ronaldo at the Ballon d'Or:

As focus shifts to a new crop of young football talent, the big question is whether anyone can match the level of success that Ronaldo and Messi achieved in their prime. Haaland and Mbappé have potential, but matching the consistent greatness displayed by Ronaldo and Messi will be a challenging task.

More generally, it feels almost unreal that these two legends are missing from the top 30 of the Ballon d'Or. Football enthusiasts have witnessed these two players exceed expectations since childhood, and it had become a routine to see them at the Ballon d'Or. However, similar to other significant periods, their era has concluded, paving the way for a fresh chapter in the sport's chronicles.

While the 2023/2024 Ballon d'Or nominees compete for the top award, the world of football will keep progressing. Although the future looks promising, the fact that Ronaldo and Messi are not in the top 30 for the first time since 2003 marks the end of a period dominated by two legendary players who redefined the limits of the sport.