This is the first time since 2003 that Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to secure a Ballon d’Or nomination.
The Portugal icon has consistently featured on the list of nominees for football’s most prestigious individual award since his debut with Manchester United in 2003.
However, the 38-year-old’s performance during the 2023-24 season fell short of expectations.
Ronaldo’s transition to the Saudi Pro League was marred by controversy following a dramatic departure from Erik ten Hag’s team at Old Trafford.
Subsequently, the ex-Manchester United star struggled to significantly impact the World Cup with Portugal.
As a consequence, the Portuguese player failed to secure a nomination for the first time in two decades, per ESPN.
This marks the end of an extraordinary era for Ronaldo, who has claimed five Ballons d’Or, with his most recent win in 2017, and earned 18 nominations throughout his career.
CR7 stands as the second-most decorated player in the trophy’s history, following Lionel Messi, who has clinched it seven times, jointly creating an era of sheer dominance for the Argentine and Portuguese.
Ronaldo is currently training alongside fellow stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, preparing for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Messi Makes MLS history with Ballon d’Or nomination.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s archrival, Lionel Messi, made history on Wednesday, becoming the first active MLS player to be shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or award since David Beckham accomplished the feat in 2007.
The Argentine star was named as one of the nominees for the 2023 award.
He will become the first active MLS player to capture the Ballon d’Or should he land the award on October 30.
