In a surprising turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable streak of 20 consecutive Ballon d’Or nominations has come to an end. The prestigious list of nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award, released today, features some of football’s brightest stars, but notably absent from the lineup is the Portuguese sensation.
Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or five times in his illustrious career, including his most recent victory in 2017, will not be in contention for the coveted individual honor this year. The 37-year-old forward, who rejoined Manchester United this season after a stint at Juventus, has had a strong start to his second spell at the club but has been left out of the nomination list.
The Ballon d’Or nominees for 2023 include Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe, among others. Messi, who won the award in 2021, has had a successful year, leading Paris Saint-Germain to victory in Ligue 1 and playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s Copa America triumph. Haaland, the young Norwegian striker, has been in sensational form for Borussia Dortmund and is highly regarded as one of the most promising talents in the world of football. Mbappe, the French superstar, has consistently dazzled with his performances for both Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team.
The omission of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Ballon d’Or nominations has raised eyebrows among football fans and pundits. While some argue that his exclusion reflects the growing competition in world football and the emergence of a new generation of talents, others believe that his consistent excellence and contributions to Manchester United should have earned him a place on the list.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually by France Football magazine and is considered one of the most prestigious individual honors in the world of football. The winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be announced at a gala ceremony later this year, and football enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of this closely watched competition. Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the list of nominees ensures that this year’s award race will be particularly intriguing, with Messi, Haaland, and Mbappe among the leading contenders.
