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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Not Ballon D’Or Nominees For First Time In Over 20 Years

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Not Ballon D’Or Nominees For First Time In Over 20 Years
Local

For the first time in over 20 years, neither Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi have been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy which crowns the best performing football player of the year.

To be exact the last time the Ballon d’Or nominee list did not feature the two football superstars, was way back in 2003 when Czech midfielder Pavel Nedvěd won it.

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi no longer play in Europe, with the Portuguese representing Saudi club Al-Nassr and the Argentinian plying his trade with American side Inter Miami in the MLS.

It’s been just a year since Messi claimed his 8th Ballon d’Or, highlighting the significance of competing in Europe’s top leagues for these awards. Now, not only will he be unable to defend his title, but he also won’t even have the opportunity to do so.

As a new wave of football superstar emerges, the favourittes for this year’s Ballon d’Or are undoubtedly Spanish holding midfielder Rodri, tekky Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr and British global superstar Jude Bellingham.

#MaltaDaily