Ballon d'Or Shortlist Unveiled: Messi and Ronaldo Omitted for First Time in Over 20 Years

Ballon d’Or Shortlist Unveiled: Messi and Ronaldo Omitted for First Time in Over 20 Years

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.

Ronaldo and Messi Playing Football

How to improve your football dribbling skills: A path to mastery

Football dribbling is an art form that combines creativity, technique, and strategic thinking. It is more than just a skill. Improvement in dribbling abilities can have a significant impact on performance on the field for athletes, whether they are seasoned pros or prospective players wanting to improve their skills. This article offers a thorough guide for enhancing your football dribbling abilities, making you a more formidable player.

 

  1. Understand the Basics of Dribbling

To start down the path to becoming a better dribbler, you must understand the fundamentals. Dribbling calls for the ability to handle the ball while sprinting, which calls for both coordination and agility. During gameplay, maintaining the ball near your feet enhances control and responsiveness. This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for later, more sophisticated methods.

  1. Master the Seven C’s of Dribbling

The “Seven C’s of Dribbling” cover a variety of abilities necessary for efficient dribbling. These include being able to change course, change speed, distance traveled, be creative, and adjust to various circumstances. By working on each element independently, athletes can create a versatile dribbling style that works in any situation during a game.

  1. Implement Dribbling Drills

Targeted drills are a great way to improve your skills while training. Here are some drills that work well:

Closed-Space Dribbling Drill: Practice moving through three triangle-shaped cones by using all of your foot’s surfaces. This exercise enhances ball control in confined areas.

Cone Dribble Drill: Place cones in a straight line and alternate between dribbling through your inside and outside foot. Your capacity to move in different directions is enhanced by this.

One-on-One Controlled Dribble: Work on your ability to manoeuvre under pressure by dribbling against defenders. This is a crucial skill for circumstances that arise during games.

 

  1. Work on Change of Pace

A proficient dribbler is aware of when to accelerate and when to slow down. Changing up the tempo during practice might help you confuse opponents and free up space for passes or shots. This essential talent can be developed with basic workouts like short bursts of acceleration followed by slower recovery periods.

  1. Focus on Close Ball Control

Players might gain the upper hand in games by keeping the ball close to them. Positioning yourself better against defenders is made possible by practising light touches and keeping the ball inside a few feet. Close ball control training on a regular basis can greatly improve this area of your game.

  1. Incorporate Creative Techniques

Participate in creative and enjoyable freestyle dribbling workouts to advance your dribbling. Through these activities, you may develop your signature moves that confuse opponents and open up space. You can also improve your game by studying the skills of professional dribblers and adopting their style.

  1. Develop a Strong Mental Game

Dribbling requires more than just good physical skill; it also requires a solid mental game. On the field, staying aware of your surroundings enables you to make judgments more quickly and strategically. To improve your ability to read the game, try imagining good dribbles or watching professional matches.

 

Football dribbling is a technique that requires commitment, repetition, and a willingness to get better. You may improve your dribbling skills and eventually your game by learning the foundations, implementing different drills, concentrating on creativity, and enhancing your mental sharpness. Remind yourself while you focus on your training because improvement takes time and that each touch you make with the ball will bring you one step closer to mastery. Put on your boots, step onto the field, and watch as your development into an expert dribbler takes place.

Messi's Absence Makes Argentina 'Stronger,' Says Mac Allister

Messi might play in 2026 FIFA World Cup, says teammate

Argentinian football star Lionel Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a hot topic, especially following remarks from his teammate Alexis Mac Allister. This news not only stirs excitement among football fans but also highlights the camaraderie within the Argentine national team.

​In a recent statement, Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister expressed strong confidence that Lionel Messi will be a part of the national team in the upcoming World Cup.​ He shared, “If you ask my feelings, yes. I think he will be there,” speaking to Messi’s enduring skill and passion for the game. Mac Allister’s belief reflects not just his optimism but also a broader sentiment within the team.

Messi himself has been non-committal but open about his future. He stated that his decision to play in the World Cup will depend on his physical state and level of play at that time. With the tournament occurring when he turns 39, the forward wisely acknowledges that age and physical condition will influence his ability to compete effectively.

The Argentine squad has been vocal about their desire for Messi to remain involved. Mac Allister and other teammates have reportedly urged Messi to continue contributing to the team, reinforcing the significant role he plays not only as a player but also as a leader and mentor on the field. This camaraderie is essential for team morale as they aim to build on their recent successes.

The prospect of Messi playing in 2026 sparks memories of his illustrious career, including the triumphant 2022 World Cup victory. The chance to witness Messi extend his legacy further is a thrilling thought for fans around the world. His unique flair and tactical brilliance are qualities that any team would wish for, making his potential return something to anticipate eagerly.

As the football world gears up for another thrilling edition of the World Cup, Messi’s future remains a tantalizing question. The conversations about his involvement cultivate a sense of hope among fans, teammates, and even Messi himself. His journey in the sport is far from over, and the 2026 World Cup could very well be a culminating chapter in his storied career.

Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and excitement about Messi’s possible participation. This engagement not only connects supporters to the team but also reinforces the legacy that players like Messi have built through their contributions to the sport. As the countdown to the World Cup begins, the football community stands united in anticipation of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

Gambhir's Blunt Messi vs. Ronaldo Response Goes Viral

Gambhir’s Blunt Messi vs. Ronaldo Response Goes Viral

Gautam Gambhir’s Blunt Response to Messi vs. Ronaldo Debate Sparks Viral Meme

Former Indian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has garnered attention for his candid approach to media interactions. Recently, he became the subject of a viral meme after his unexpected response to a question about his favorite football player.

When asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Gambhir surprised many by naming Marcus Rashford instead. This response sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning his reasoning.

In a recent video shared by KKR, Gambhir clarified his stance on the matter. He explained that he was asked to choose his “favorite” player, but neither Messi nor Ronaldo fit that description.

“If someone asks me ‘which is your favorite team? Liverpool or Arsenal?’ If you are asking me to choose my favorite team, then you can’t give me an option,” Gambhir said.

He further elaborated that the question should have been framed as “who is a better player between Messi and Ronaldo.” When asked this question directly, Gambhir gave a straightforward answer: “Ronaldo.”

Gambhir’s blunt response highlights his no-nonsense approach to media interactions. He is known for speaking his mind, even if it goes against popular opinion.

Meanwhile, KKR is enjoying a successful IPL 2024 campaign. The two-time champions have won four matches out of six and are currently second in the points table. They will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next match on Sunday at the Eden Gardens.

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