In a historic turn of events, the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations have been announced, and for the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has made the list. This marks the end of an era dominated by the two football legends, who have collectively won the prestigious award 12 times since 2008.
The 2024 nominees include rising stars and established talents such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Rodri. This shift highlights the emergence of a new generation of footballers ready to take the spotlight.
Messi, who won his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023, and Ronaldo, who has five Ballon d’Or titles to his name, have been synonymous with the award for years. Their absence from the list signifies a changing of the guard in the world of football.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 28, 2024, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the football world will witness the crowning of a new king.