In a surprising development, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been omitted from this year's Ballon d'Or nominations for the first time since 2003.
The prestigious 30-man shortlist was unveiled on Wednesday, leaving fans and pundits alike stunned by the absence of the footballing legends. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, and Messi, an eight-time recipient, have dominated the awards for nearly two decades.
This unexpected exclusion has sparked widespread discussions across the global football community. Analysts are debating the potential factors behind this decision, including shifts in player performance, emerging talents, and changes in voting criteria.
Fans on social media have expressed a mix of surprise and disappointment, with many questioning whether this marks the end of an era for the duo or simply a temporary hiatus as new stars rise to prominence.
As the football world awaits the final Ballon d'Or announcement, the spotlight remains on both established and emerging players vying for the coveted title.
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Messi and Ronaldo miss out on Ballon d'Or list of nominations
cgtn.com
