Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami forward, will not be winning another Ballon d’Or this year as he has been left out of the nominees list revealed by the organizers. The nominees heavily feature stars from Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team and Real Madrid’s Champions League victors. Despite winning the title with Argentina at the Copa America in July, Messi, now aged 37, is not among the 30 contenders this time. The former Barcelona superstar, now playing MLS football, was also missing from the nominees in 2022 when Karim Benzema took the honors.
The Ballon d’Or, considered the most prestigious individual award in football, is voted for by a jury of journalists from the top 100 countries in Fi’s world ranking. The ceremony is set to take place in Paris on October 28. Some of the favorites this year include Vinicius Junior of Brazil, who is one of the six members of the Real Madrid team nominated after their successful season. Other notable nominations include Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Ruediger, and Fede Valverde.
The contenders from the victorious Spain team include Carvajal, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal. Erling Haaland from Manchester City and Harry Kane from England are also on the list, but there is no place for five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Xabi Alonso is one of the favorites for best coach after his unbeaten season with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Other competitors in the coaching category include Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Spain’s Luis de la Fuente.
In the women’s Ballon d’Or category, Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain will hope to retain her title. Former winners Ada Hegerberg and Alexia Putellas are also nominated, along with members of the United States’ Olympic gold medal-winning team. The inclusion of these players showcases the immense talent and achievements in the world of football, with the Ballon d’Or serving as a platform to honor and celebrate these exceptional individuals. While Lionel Messi may not be in the running this year, the competition remains fierce, and the winners will undoubtedly showcase their skills and prowess on the global stage.
