The Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony is set to take place on Monday, generating immense excitement and speculation over who will claim the prestigious title this year. The award, widely regarded as one of the highest individual honors in football, will spotlight some of the sport's brightest stars who have delivered outstanding performances throughout the season.
Among the notable nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or are Manchester City’s Rodri, as well as Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. These players have impressed fans and critics alike, contributing significantly to their teams with remarkable skill, resilience, and consistency, which earned them a place on the coveted shortlist. Fans are eagerly awaiting the final announcement, anticipating a close competition among these top contenders.
However, amidst the anticipation, a familiar figure in the Ballon d’Or history is conspicuously absent from both the nominee list and the voting process. Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has reportedly chosen not to participate in the voting for the second consecutive year. This decision comes amid reports that Ronaldo is dissatisfied with recent award decisions, leading to his withdrawal from the process.
Vincent Garcia, Chief of the Ballon d’Or organization, confirmed Ronaldo’s decision not to vote. Garcia stated that while the Portuguese star holds voting privileges as a past winner, he opted out due to discontent with the awards process. Garcia explained that it is not uncommon for former winners to disengage in this way, adding, “I can’t speak to Cristiano’s feelings directly, but he opted out of voting, as he did last year.”
Ronaldo’s disapproval of certain award decisions has been public knowledge, with his previous criticism of Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win calling it “unfair.” This stance has fueled his decision to abstain from voting, which reflects his ongoing frustration with the award outcomes and his perspective on what he deems a fair process.
Interestingly, this year marks the first time in over two decades that neither Messi nor Ronaldo will feature on the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Both players, iconic figures in the sport and long-standing rivals, have been central to the ceremony’s prestige, often dominating the votes. Garcia remarked on their absence, saying, “Had they been on the shortlist, I have no doubt they would have garnered votes.” The football world is feeling the impact of their absence, with many fans noting the end of an era that saw these two legends repeatedly vying for the top spot.
Though not in contention for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Messi and Ronaldo continue to captivate fans across the globe with their performances. Messi is shining in Major League Soccer with his recent move to Inter Miami, while Ronaldo is leading his team in the Saudi Pro League, showcasing his enduring talent. Both players remain highly influential figures in the sport, inspiring fans and younger players alike with their skill and dedication.