In a significant departure from his illustrious career, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself conspicuously absent from the Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time since 2003.
The Portuguese football icon, who has consistently been a prominent figure in the race for football’s most prestigious individual accolade over the past two decades, failed to secure a nomination due to his underwhelming performances during the 2023/24 season.
Ronaldo’s Controversial Move
Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League was marred by controversy, stemming from his dramatic exit from Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United squad.
Subsequently, the former Manchester United star struggled to make a substantial impact during the World Cup with the Portuguese national team.
…guess the Ballon d’Or top three! 🏆✨
The official winner will be announced on October 30th in Paris 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/9NBtKUMLTf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 6, 2023
These shortcomings led to his notable absence from the Ballon d’Or nominations, a surprising turn of events for a player who had been a perennial contender for the award.
This development marks the conclusion of an extraordinary era for Ronaldo, who has previously clinched the Ballon d’Or title five times and accumulated a staggering 18 nominations throughout his illustrious career.
His most recent Ballon d’Or triumph was in 2017, and he now ranks as the second-most decorated player in the history of the award, behind only Lionel Messi, who boasts an impressive seven wins.
Ronaldo’s Training and Messi’s Ballon d’Or Nomination
Their enduring rivalry has defined an era of unparalleled dominance for both Argentine and Portuguese football.
As for Ronaldo’s current endeavors, he is currently in training alongside fellow stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, preparing for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s longtime rival, Lionel Messi, made history by becoming the first active Major League Soccer (MLS) player to secure a place on the Ballon d’Or shortlist since David Beckham’s inclusion in 2007.
Messi’s nomination for the 2023 award has set the stage for a potentially groundbreaking achievement, as he could become the first active player in the MLS to capture the coveted accolade if he is named the winner on October 30.
