The announcement of the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. For the first time in over two decades, two of the sport’s greatest icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have been left off the list. Despite both players delivering impressive performances last season, the omission of these legends, along with other top talents like Mohamed Salah and Rodrygo, has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits. This article delves into the major snubs from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee list, analyzing the reasons behind their exclusion and the implications for their careers.
Messi’s Omission: A Surprising Exclusion
Lionel Messi, the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, has been a mainstay on the nominee list for over two decades. His exclusion from the 2024 list is perhaps the most shocking omission. Messi’s move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) was a significant shift in his career, but many expected his achievements to earn him another nomination.
Messi’s Performance in 2023-2024
Despite a season riddled with injuries, Messi still managed to make a substantial impact. He contributed 31 goals and 18 assists in 41 appearances, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s successful defense of the Copa America title. However, his move to MLS, a league perceived to be of lower competitive intensity compared to Europe’s top leagues, may have influenced the decision to exclude him from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees.
Implications of Messi’s Omission
Messi’s absence from the list signals a significant shift in the footballing landscape. It raises questions about the criteria used for Ballon d’Or nominations and whether playing outside Europe’s top leagues can impact a player’s chances of being recognized. For Messi, this omission might mark the beginning of the end of his era of dominance in world football.
Ronaldo’s Exclusion: The End of an Era?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee list marks the second consecutive year he has been left out. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s exclusion is another major talking point, especially considering his impressive goal-scoring record over the past season.
Ronaldo’s Performance in 2023-2024
Ronaldo scored 57 goals and provided 16 assists for Al-Nassr, a remarkable tally by any standard. However, his move to the Saudi Pro League, like Messi’s move to MLS, likely played a role in his exclusion. Despite his individual brilliance, Al-Nassr missed out on the Saudi Pro League title, and Portugal’s elimination in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 further diminished his chances of making the Ballon d’Or list.
The Legacy of Ronaldo’s Exclusion
Ronaldo’s absence from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees may indicate a shift in how achievements in less competitive leagues are valued. For a player who has been synonymous with success at the highest level, this omission could be seen as the end of an era. Ronaldo’s fans, however, continue to argue that his goal-scoring feats alone should have earned him a place on the list.
Other Notable Omissions: Salah, Rodrygo, and More
While Messi and Ronaldo’s exclusions dominate headlines, several other top players were also left off the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee list, despite having strong seasons.
Mohamed Salah: Consistent Excellence Overlooked
Mohamed Salah has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers over the past few years. In the 2023-2024 season, Salah scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists for Liverpool, a remarkable achievement considering the team’s overall struggles. However, despite his individual brilliance, Salah was overlooked for the Ballon d’Or nominees.
The decision to exclude Salah has puzzled many fans, particularly given his consistent goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. Salah’s exclusion might be attributed to Liverpool’s lack of major silverware last season and the presence of other standout performers in Europe.
Rodrygo: The Underrated Star
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo was another notable omission from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee list. The Brazilian forward had a strong season, scoring 17 goals and providing 9 assists. His performances in the latter stages of the Champions League were particularly impressive, yet he failed to make the cut.
Rodrygo’s exclusion could be seen as a result of his perceived secondary role at Real Madrid, where other stars like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham have taken center stage. Despite this, many believe that Rodrygo’s contributions deserved recognition, making his omission a controversial decision.
The Broader Implications of the 2024 Ballon d’Or Snubs
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee list has brought to light the changing dynamics of football recognition. The omissions of Messi, Ronaldo, Salah, and Rodrygo highlight a possible shift in how players are evaluated, with greater emphasis on performance in Europe’s top leagues and international success.
The Role of League Competitiveness
One of the key factors in the omissions seems to be the level of competition in the leagues where these players have been performing. Messi and Ronaldo, both playing outside of Europe, faced stiff competition from players in the more competitive European leagues. This raises questions about how much weight is given to the quality of the league when evaluating individual performances.
A New Era in Football
The exclusion of Messi and Ronaldo from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees could signify the end of an era dominated by these two legends. It also opens the door for a new generation of stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and others who are now leading the race for the prestigious award. The shifting focus to younger talents and performances in Europe’s top leagues reflects the evolving landscape of global football.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee list has sparked significant debate, with the exclusion of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, and Rodrygo among the most talked-about snubs. These omissions highlight a potential shift in how individual performances are evaluated, with greater emphasis on league competitiveness and international success. As football continues to evolve, so too will the criteria for recognizing the world’s best players. Whether this signals the end of an era or the beginning of a new one, the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in the history of the sport.
ALSO READ:2024 Ballon d’Or Nominees Revealed: Bellingham and Vinicius Junior Lead the Race
