The Ballon d’Or, the prestigious annual football award, has unveiled its 30-player shortlist for 2023, marking a significant shift in the landscape of the sport. For the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, the two dominant figures of the past era, feature on the list.
Messi, a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS. Despite his recent Copa America and FIFA World Cup triumphs, an injury has sidelined him from contention. Ronaldo, a five-time winner, has also been omitted from the shortlist.
The absence of these superstars opens the door for a new generation of players to claim the coveted award. Among the nominees are Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.
Vinicius and Bellingham, key members of Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga-winning team, are considered strong contenders. Rodri, a vital cog in Manchester City’s Premier League success and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, is also a favorite.
The Ballon d’Or, presented by French magazine France Football since 1956, has undergone rule changes in 2022. The award now focuses on achievements within a football season rather than a calendar year. Additionally, a single journalist from each country in the top-100 of the FIFA Men’s ranking determines the winner.
Messi remains the most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history with eight awards, while Ronaldo has won it five times. Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have each won the award three times, while Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Kevin Keegan, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have won it twice.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced later this year, marking a new chapter in the history of the prestigious award.
