Mon Oct 28 20:40:08 UTC 2024: ## Football’s New Era: Messi & Ronaldo Absent From Ballon d’Or Nominees List
For the first time since 2003, the Ballon d’Or nominees list will be without football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The duo, who have dominated the award for two decades – Messi winning eight times and Ronaldo five – are absent from the list, signaling a potential shift in the football landscape.
The absence of these iconic players opens the door for a new generation of stars to emerge. The frontrunners for the prestigious award include:
* **Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid):** The Brazilian winger enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists, including a goal in the Champions League final.
* **Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid):** The English midfielder has impressed in his move to Real Madrid.
* **Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain):** The French striker continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
* **Erling Haaland (Manchester City):** The Norwegian goal machine scored a phenomenal number of goals for Manchester City.
* **Harry Kane (Bayern Munich):** The English striker moved to Bayern Munich and continues to be a prolific goal-scorer.
* **Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan):** The Argentinian forward had a successful season with Inter Milan.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony, where the winner will be announced, is scheduled for Monday night at 1:15 AM in Paris.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Caroline Hansen (Barcelona), and Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon) are the nominees. For the first time, the award will also be presented to both male and female coaches this year.
First Piper 