By For the first time since 2003, the Ballon d’Or shortlist does not feature Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, marking the end of an era that has defined football for two decades. Between them, the two all-time great forwards had claimed the Ballon d’Or a combined 13 times and finished as runners-up another eleven times. As their careers wind down, it appears unlikely they will again contend for the prestigious award, which reflects a significant shift in football’s power dynamics. The absence of Messi and Ronaldo from this year’s list signifies the end of their duopoly and the beginning of a new chapter in football.
Both players have moved to less prominent leagues, with Messi, 37, struggling through an injury-plagued season, and Ronaldo, 39, still scoring but no longer the force he once was. They remain key figures for their national teams and are focused on the 2026 World Cup, but their influence has waned. For romantics hoping for a final flourish, the chances seem slim, and the Ballon d’Or stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet will likely be graced by new faces.
End of Messi-Ronaldo Era: No Ballon d’Or Nominees
The Ballon d’Or shortlist this year prominently features players from the European Championship finals, reflecting their club performances. Real Madrid’s treble-winning squad has seven representatives, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, who are among the favorites. Manchester City also has four key players on the list, while Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal have several contenders, though none are expected to win.
In a nod to traditional patterns, attackers dominate the shortlist, with 17 forwards and just one goalkeeper, Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez. Martinez played a crucial role in Argentina’s Copa America defense and Aston Villa’s rise to the Champions League. Despite his impact, the odds are against goalkeepers and defenders winning the award, as history shows only one goalkeeper (Lev Yashin) and three defenders have ever won.
The potential frontrunners this year include Rodri of Manchester City, and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Rodri, praised by City manager Pep Guardiola as the world’s finest, was pivotal in Spain’s Euro win and City’s title defense. His influence was crucial, with City losing only when he was absent. Vinicius scored 26 goals and provided 11 assists, while Bellingham tallied 27 goals and 15 assists, along with crucial performances for England in the Euro final. If Rodri wins, he would become just the fourth central midfielder to claim the Ballon d’Or.
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