Shahbaz Cheema
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward and last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, has not been included in the nominees for this year’s prestigious award, as revealed by organizers on Wednesday. This marks a significant absence for the 37-year-old, who, despite winning the Copa America with Argentina in July, is not among the 30 contenders for the coveted prize.
Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in MLS, has previously claimed the Ballon d’Or eight times in his illustrious career. He was also absent from the 2022 nominations, where Karim Benzema claimed the title, before returning to win last year after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
The Ballon d’Or, considered football’s most prestigious individual honor, is voted on by journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. This year’s list is heavily dominated by stars from Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team and Real Madrid’s Champions League victors. Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior is among the favorites, alongside fellow Real Madrid players Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and Fede Valverde. Kylian Mbappé, who recently moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, also features prominently.
From Spain’s Euro-winning squad, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Grimaldo have all been shortlisted. Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane, now with Bayern Munich, are also in the mix. However, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, now 39 and playing in Saudi Arabia, is notably missing.
In the coaching category, Xabi Alonso is a favorite after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga season. He faces competition from Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Spain’s Luis de la Fuente.
On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, who helped Spain secure World Cup victory, is a leading contender to retain the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Other top nominees include past winners Ada Hegerberg and Alexia Putellas, along with U.S. stars Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Horan, and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The highly anticipated Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in Paris on October 28.
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