Ronaldo Misses Out on Ballon d’Or Shortlist for the First Time in 20 Years

• Cristiano Ronaldo has been omitted from the 2023 Ballon d'Or shortlist
• It's the first time the Portuguese star has been left off the list since 2003
• The official Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on October 30 in Paris

This is the first time since 2003 that Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to secure a Ballon d'Or nomination.

The Portugal icon has consistently featured on the list of nominees for football's most prestigious individual award since his debut with Manchester United two decades earlier.

However, the 38-year-old's performances during the 2023/24 season fell short of expectations.

Ronaldo's transition to the Saudi Pro League was marred by controversy following a dramatic departure from Erik ten Hag's team at Old Trafford.

Subsequently, the ex-Manchester United star struggled to significantly impact the World Cup with Portugal.

As a consequence, Ronaldo has failed to secure a nomination for the Ballon d'Or award for the first time in two decades, per ESPN.

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This marks the end of an extraordinary era for Ronaldo, who has claimed five Ballon d'Or titles and was nominated 18 nominations throughout his career. He last won the award in 2017.

He remains the second-most decorated player in the trophy's history after Lionel Messi's record of seven wins, jointly creating an era of sheer dominance for the Argentine and the Portuguese.

Ronaldo is currently training alongside fellow stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva in preparation for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg.

Messi makes MLS history with Ballon d'Or nomination

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's archrival, Messi made history on Wednesday by becoming the first active MLS player to be shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or award since David Beckham accomplished the feat in 2007.

The Argentine star was named as one of the nominees for the 2023 award. He will become the first active player in the US league to capture the coveted award should he be named the winner on October 30.

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Why Messi will beat Haaland

Sports Brief recently reported on why Messi will beat Haaland to the 2023 Ballon d'Or award.

The main reason why the Argentine star will claim his record eighth title is his World Cup win.

Messi contributed heavily to La Albiceleste's win, scoring crucial goals during their campaign.