Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Not Among Ballon d'Or Nominees for 1st Time Since '03

It's a new era in world football.

The field for the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or trophy was released on Wednesday, showcasing the 30 nominees for the award. For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo were featured on the list.

The two superstars have combined for 15 of the 21 awards issued since 2003, including every one from 2008-2017.

Ronaldo has not won the award since 2017 and was not nominated for the award in 2023 but Messi was the 2023 winner, so his omission may come as a bit of a shock. Additionally, both players continue to produce excellent statistics.

Messi—who is currently dealing with an injury—has scored 12 goals and 10 assists in 12 matches for Inter Miami CF while Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 2023-24 and has scored two goals in two games for Al-Nassr in 2024-25.

These statistics have come in leagues that are considered lesser level of competition. According to GlobalFootballRankings, the Messi's MLS is rated as the No. 12 league in the world while Ronaldo's Pro League in Saudi Arabia is rated No. 33.

This is certainly a major contributor to the omission, as well as both player's elder age and the emergence of some strong talent across the major leagues.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or is set to be awarded Oct. 28 in Paris.