The Ballon d’Or nominations are always a hot topic, not just for who makes the list, but also for those who are conspicuously absent. The 2024 nominations saw a shift towards recognizing emerging talent and rewarding players for their performances in the 2023-2024 season. However, some key players who had strong campaigns were surprisingly left off the list, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.
1. Lionel Messi
Arguably the most shocking omission from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist is Lionel Messi. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and the 2023 recipient did not make the cut for the first time in over a decade. While Messi has transitioned to Inter Miami in the MLS and has had an immediate impact, his absence from the list suggests that his performances in the league may not have been deemed at the same level as those in Europe’s top competitions. Despite his World Cup heroics in 2022, which earned him his eighth Ballon d’Or, his exclusion this year marks the end of an era in world football.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, another giant of the sport, also missed out on a nomination for the first time since 2003. Ronaldo, who moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continues to be a prolific scorer and a global icon, but his performances in the Saudi Pro League may not have carried the same weight as those in Europe’s elite competitions. Ronaldo’s absence signals a shift towards recognizing younger talents and highlights the inevitable passage of time, even for the greatest players.
3. Luka Modrić
Real Madrid’s midfield maestro Luka Modrić, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, is another notable exclusion. Modrić remains one of the best midfielders in the world, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s successes. However, with the emergence of younger talents like Jude Bellingham and the club’s transition towards a new era, Modrić’s exclusion reflects the changing dynamics within football.
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4. Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, also found himself missing from the 2024 shortlist. After leaving Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Benzema’s absence might be attributed to his transition to a less competitive league, despite his continued goal-scoring exploits. Benzema’s exclusion is a stark reminder that even the best players can be overlooked if they are perceived to have moved away from the highest levels of competition.
5. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski, who has been a consistent goal-scorer at the highest level for years, is another surprising omission. The Polish striker, now at Barcelona, continues to perform at a high level in La Liga, but his exclusion might be due to Barcelona’s inconsistent form in European competitions. Despite his prolific scoring, Lewandowski’s absence suggests that individual accolades alone may not be enough to secure a nomination if team success does not follow.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations have sparked discussions not only about the players who were included but also about those who were left out. The absence of legends like Messi, Ronaldo, Modrić, Benzema, and Lewandowski marks a significant shift in the football landscape, as new stars rise to prominence and the game evolves. These omissions highlight the competitive nature of football and the constant emergence of new talent eager to take the spotlight. As the football world moves forward, these players’ legacies remain intact, even as the next generation begins to make their mark on the sport.
