Ronaldo and Messi Absent from Ballon d’Or Nominees for the First Time Since 2003

Paris, France

– In a historic turn of events, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been left off the Ballon d’Or nominees list for the first time since 2003. The duo, who have dominated the award for nearly two decades, have been surpassed by a new generation of football stars.

The absence of Ronaldo and Messi marks the end of an era in football. The two players have consistently been among the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or, with Messi winning the award a record seven times and Ronaldo claiming it five times.

While the reasons for their exclusion are subject to debate, it is clear that the landscape of football has shifted significantly in recent years. A new crop of talented players has emerged, challenging the dominance of Ronaldo and Messi.

The announcement of the Ballon d’Or nominees has sparked much discussion and speculation among football fans. Many are eager to see who will be crowned the world’s best player this year.