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.

Cristiano Ronaldo Launches Official YouTube Channel, Amassing 1.69 Million Subscribers

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks YouTube Record Just One Hour After Channel Launch

Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for the fastest person to reach one million YouTube subscribers in an astounding demonstration of his popularity and impact. He accomplished this feat in just one hour after starting his channel, “UR Cristiano.” August 21, 2024, saw the launch, which caused a stir on social media and demonstrated the football icon’s enormous global appeal as supporters excitedly awaited their turn to cheer for their hero.

On his social media accounts, Ronaldo declared the launch of his channel and invited followers to “SIUUUbscribe” and accompany him on this thrilling new adventure. His channel broke the previous record set by Blackpink’s Jennie Kim, who had reached the same milestone in seven hours, by shooting past the one million mark in just ninety minutes. Ronaldo’s subscriber count soared to almost 10 million by the end of the first day, solidifying his position as a digital juggernaut.

The channel offers a wide range of interesting content that aims to give viewers a close-up view of Ronaldo’s personal and professional life. Videos give fans a complete picture of the football player off the field, including behind-the-scenes looks at training sessions and fun games with his partner Georgina Rodriguez.

The football star’s ability to capitalize on his massive social media following—which includes 112.5 million followers on X (previously Twitter) and 636 million on Instagram—is demonstrated by this unheard-of quick rise. Ronaldo’s new YouTube channel aims to establish a more meaningful and intimate connection between him and his fans while he breaks records, paving the door for a new phase in his remarkable career.

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.

Celebrity Spotlight Shines Bright at Miami Open

Celebrity Spotlight Shines Bright at Miami Open

The Miami Open has witnessed a star-studded spectacle both on and off the court. The stands have been graced by renowned celebrities, including Jimmy Butler, Ronaldo, Jon Bon Jovi, Pusha T, and Neymar.

Early in the tournament, Neymar met Gael Monfils, expressing his admiration for the tennis legend. Meanwhile, Jon Bon Jovi encountered Ben Shelton, praising the young American’s talent. Shelton expressed his gratitude for the encounter, stating, “It’s always crazy whenever you get to meet a legend… He gave me a few good pointers, advice just on life and being out here as a professional.”

Pusha T and Neymar were also spotted at the tournament. Pusha T posed with Frances Tiafoe, while Neymar eagerly watched Carlos Alcaraz in action. Neymar joined Jimmy Butler, a regular at tennis events, in witnessing Alcaraz’s impressive victory over Monfils.

Alcaraz acknowledged the presence of celebrity fans, admitting that it provided him with additional motivation. “Seeing them watching my game, obviously it’s, let’s say, some motivation for me just to raise the level, try to make them enjoy watching my game,” he said.

The Miami Open has become a melting pot of sports and entertainment, with celebrities from various fields adding to the tournament’s allure. The presence of these renowned figures has not only enhanced the atmosphere but also inspired the players on the court.

Ronaldo

What does Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration ‘siuuuu’ mean?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s “siuuuu” celebration has achieved iconic status and is recognized by football enthusiasts all over the globe. Whenever the Portuguese star scores a goal, the sound reverberates through stadiums and social media platforms alike. However, what is the actual meaning of “siuuuu,” and where did it originate? In this article, we will delve into the roots and significance of Ronaldo’s celebrated trademark. 

It is worth highlighting that Ronaldo has been incorporating the “siuuuu” celebration in his goal celebrations for several years now. The earliest recorded instance of Ronaldo using the celebration goes back to a 2014 match against Espanyol, while he was still a player at Real Madrid. Subsequently, the celebration has become a regular feature of his scoring displays, and he has repeated it numerous times while representing both Real Madrid and Juventus. 

Footballs & Studs

What does siuuuu mean? 

The precise meaning of “siuuuu” is unclear, as Ronaldo has never provided a direct explanation of the term. Nevertheless, there exist several theories and interpretations regarding the significance behind the celebrated gesture. Among the most prevalent theories is that “siuuuu” represents an outburst of elation and delight. The sound is akin to a raw scream or a triumphant roar, conveying a feeling of profound emotion and eagerness. This explanation is bolstered by the fact that Ronaldo often resorts to celebration after scoring crucial or remarkable goals, such as those in a decisive match or a championship final. 

An alternative theory is that “siuuuu” alludes to the Spanish word “sí,” which translates to “yes.” This explanation stems from Ronaldo’s extended stints with Spanish clubs, first with Real Madrid and now with Juventus. Moreover, the prolonged “uuuuu” sound at the end of the celebration might serve to extend the “sí” sound, highlighting the affirmative character of the term. 

Some observers have speculated that “siuuuu” is a nod to Ronaldo’s name or initials. The “si” sound could be a truncated form of “Cristiano,” while the “uuuuu” sound could be construed as an elongation of the “o” sound in his surname. Nonetheless, this interpretation appears less plausible since Ronaldo has never publicly declared that the celebration is related to his name. 

Regardless of its precise meaning, there’s no denying that “siuuuu” has become an integral part of Ronaldo’s public persona. The celebration is often imitated by fans and fellow players, and it has even spawned its line of merchandise, including t-shirts and phone cases. For many football fans, “siuuuu” is synonymous with Ronaldo himself, representing not just his on-field success but also his larger-than-life personality and charisma. 

Of course, Ronaldo is not the only footballer to have a signature celebration. From Lionel Messi’s finger-pointing to Kylian Mbappe’s crossed arms, many players have their own unique ways of celebrating a goal. However, few celebrations have become as iconic or recognizable as Ronaldo’s “siuuuu.” The fact that the celebration has no clear meaning or explanation only adds to its mystique, allowing fans to interpret it in their way and imbue it with their meanings and emotions.

In conclusion, Ronaldo’s “siuuuu” celebration is a testament to the power of football to capture the imagination and passion of fans around the world. While its precise meaning may remain a mystery, its impact on the sport and Ronaldo’s legacy is undeniable. Whether he’s playing for Real Madrid, Juventus, or the Portuguese national team, fans will always associate Ronaldo with his signature celebration and will continue to celebrate and emulate it for years to come. 

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo explains the meaning of “Siiuuu”: 

According to Ronaldo, “Siiuu” is a personal mantra that he developed to inspire himself. It is an expression of his joy and passion for the game, and he started using it during his time at Real Madrid as a way to celebrate his goals and to pump himself up for the next challenge. 

“I started to say ‘si’, it’s like ‘yes’, when I was in Real Madrid,” Ronaldo once explained in an interview. 

“I was in the USA and we played against Chelsea and I don’t know where this is coming from the celebration. I just scored the goal and it just came out. It was just natural, to be honest. Since that, I started to do it more often and I feel like the supporters and the fans see it and they’re like ‘Cristiano, siiiiiiuuuu’. 

“I’m like ‘Wow! People are reminded of me because of it!’ So it’s good, and I’ll continue doing it like that.” When we win, everyone says ‘Siuuu’ and I started to say it, I don’t know why. It was natural,” said Ronaldo to DAZN Italia. “I scored a goal and I did that [the celebration]. People asked me why did I do it and I don’t know why. It was natural! Because I always say, the best things come naturally,” added the Portuguese superstar. 

In an interview with DAZN, Ronaldo explained that the “Siiuu” celebration is meant to symbolize the idea of never giving up, always pushing forward, and striving for greatness. He also mentioned that the inspiration for the celebration came from striker Ricardo Quaresma, his former teammate at Sporting Lisbon, and the Portuguese national team, who used to make a similar sound after scoring a goal. 

footballs & studs

footballs & studs

How does Cristiano Ronaldo do the Siuuu goal celebration? 

The beauty of Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Siiuuu” goal celebration lies in its simplicity, as anyone can do it with ease. To perform the celebration, you must take a small run-up, jump with momentum, rotate your body in a pirouette while in the air, and land with your legs and hands outstretched. 

Executing the “Siiuuu” celebration accurately requires careful attention to the positioning of the legs. They must be spread wide in a “power stance” to emphasize a heroic landing. The arms play a critical role as well, starting in an X shape across the chest and then extending out wide and fully stretched. 

The final element of the “Siiuuu” celebration is perhaps the most important. The player must turn their back to the fans, allowing them to see the name and number on their jersey. The celebration culminates with the player shouting “Siuuu!” as a triumphant expression of their joy and passion for the game. 

“Why does Ronaldo do the “siuuuu” celebration?” 

There is more to explore about Ronaldo’s “siuuuu” celebration. While the origins and meaning of the term remain somewhat ambiguous, some additional factors may have contributed to its popularity and appeal. 

For one, the celebration is visually distinctive and memorable. When Ronaldo scores a goal, he typically runs toward the crowd with his arms outstretched and lets out a loud, sustained “siuuuu” sound. This creates a striking image that is instantly recognizable and easy to imitate. Additionally, the sound of the celebration is easy to remember and repeat, making it a catchy and infectious meme that can spread quickly through social media. 

Another possible explanation for the popularity of “siuuuu” is its association with Ronaldo’s brand. Over the years, Ronaldo has cultivated a public image as a confident, charismatic, and stylish athlete. The “siuuuu” celebration seems to embody these qualities, as it is a bold and attention-grabbing expression of excitement and triumph. By adopting the celebration as his own, Ronaldo has made it a symbol of his success and self-confidence, further enhancing his public persona. 

It’s also worth noting that Ronaldo has used the “siuuuu” celebration in a variety of contexts. While it is most commonly associated with his goal-scoring exploits, he has also used the celebration in other situations, such as when he won the Ballon d’Or award in 2017. This versatility has helped to make the celebration a more multifaceted and adaptable part of Ronaldo’s public image and may have contributed to its staying power. 

It’s interesting to compare Ronaldo’s “siuuuu” celebration to other famous football celebrations. For example, Lionel Messi’s finger-pointing gesture is similarly iconic and memorable, but it has a more specific meaning and origin (it was reportedly inspired by Messi’s grandmother, who would point to the sky after every goal he scored as a child). Similarly, Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal celebration at the 1986 World Cup is a historic moment that is forever etched in football lore, but it is less of a celebration and more of an act of subterfuge. 

In contrast, Ronaldo’s “siuuuu” celebration is a more open-ended and flexible expression of emotion and excitement. While its origins and meaning may be elusive, its universal appeal and popularity are undeniable. Whether you’re a die-hard Ronaldo fan or simply a casual observer of the sport, it’s hard not to feel a thrill of excitement when you hear that distinctive “siuuuu” sound echoing through a stadium.

The 7 greatest FIFA World Cup individual performances

It is difficult to forget certain things in your life. Your first kiss, your first heartbreak, and an exceptional performance from a top athlete. Whether you are a Real Madrid or a Barcelona fan, Ronaldo’s bicycle kick in the 2018 Champions League semi-finals against Juventus will be eternally etched in your memory. A great performance never ends on the field; it is written and talked about for years to come. We are still talking about Virat Kohli’s match-winning knock against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2022. 

The biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, is just around the corner. Almost every legend has been featured in this grand event representing their respective country over the years. But somehow, only some of them have given us the performances to remember. Let’s have a look at seven such memorable renditions in the history of the FIFA World Cup. 

Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil, 1998 Final 

Zinedine Zidane became a benchmark for midfielders with his blistering performance against Brazil in the finals of the 1998 World Cup. The legendary midfielder took the Stade Velodrome stadium by storm with his two clutch goals within the first 45 minutes of the match. 

Zidane defined the meaning of grace every time he touched the ball that night. Each of his passes pierced through Brazil’s defence. France won the World Cup 3-0 against Brazil, with Emmanuel Petit scoring the final goal for the hosts. Zidane was named the “Man of the Match” and the rest is history. 

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Spain 2018 Group Stage

Cristiano Ronaldo has carried his side a lot of times in his glorious career. But to do it in a World Cup match against a team like Spain makes it more special. The Portuguese skipper scored a mesmerizing hattrick against Spain to steal a point against them in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo also became the first player in history to score in eight consecutive international tournaments. 

Ronaldo grabbed his maiden World Cup hat trick when his side needed him the most. What makes this performance more special is Ronaldo’s 88th-minute free-kick to equalize the score against Spain. A once-in-a-generation show by the greatest of all time. 

James Rodriguez vs Uruguay, 2014 Round of 16 

The 2014 World Cup was a life-changing campaign for James Rodrigues. 22-year-old James Rodriguez won it for his side against Uruguay with a spectacular brace in the Round of 16 stage. The former Real Madrid player became an overnight success as Colombia went on to

win the match 2-0 against Uruguay. Rodriguez created history with his performance as he carried Colombia to their first-ever World Cup quarter-finals. 

Rodriguez’s first goal against Uruguay, which was an exceptional volley, was described as “one of the greatest goals the World Cup has ever seen” by none other than Uruguay’s manager of the time, Oscar Tabarez. James won the Golden boot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was soon signed by Real Madrid after the World Cup for a historic sum of 90m euros (£71m), making him the 4th costliest player of the time. 

Diego Maradona vs England, 1986 Quater-final 

“A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God,” this might be the most iconic line said by any footballer in the history of the sport. We don’t actually need to say who said it and when. Diego Maradona is coined as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, footballers to ever grace this beautiful sport. He was passionate, a genius, and a serial winner. He was loved by all, except, umm, some of the English fans for obvious reasons. 

Maradona scored the infamous “hand of God” goal against England to knock them out of the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup. However, the “hand of God” wasn’t the only talking point about Argentina’s win over England. Maradona also scored arguably the best goal of his career just 4 minutes after his first goal. Maradona’s second goal against England in 1986 was also named the ‘Goal of the century’. Gary Linekar scored a consolation goal for England in the 81st minute. 

Pele vs France, 1958 Semi-final 

“So you think you are Pele? a very common line used in the 70s and 80s, even by someone who has never watched a game of football. Pele was the first real superstar of the game and was globally known for his majestic aura in the world of sports. Pele was born to play football, and he has the stats to prove it. There are many songs written about his greatness, and his performance against France in the 1958 semi-final is just one of them. 

France was leading Brazil in that particular semi-final of the 1958 World Cup until Pele stepped in. A 17-year-old Pele, the youngest player in that World Cup, scored a hattrick to carry Brazil to the finals. Pele also scored a brace during Brazil’s 5-2 win against Sweden in the 1958 FIFA World Cup finals. Pele scored a total of six goals in just four appearances in the World Cup of 1958 and never looked back. 

Ronaldo vs Germany, 2002 Final 

The 2002 World Cup is fairly remembered for “that” haircut by the Brazilian Ronaldo. The legendary striker inspired almost an entire generation of teenagers to pick that haircut unintentionally. The real reason why Ronaldo adopted that look was to distract the media from writing about his ever-lasting knee injury. Against all odds, Ronaldo made it to Brazil’s squad in the 2002 World Cup after recovering from a severe knee injury.

Ronaldo was the star performer for Brazil in the finals against Germany, where he scored both goals to win for his team. Ronaldo comeback from a career-ending injury and became the highest scorer of the 2002 FIFA World Cup with a total of 12 goals. Ronaldo found the net against every opponent except England in the 2002 World Cup. But his performance in the finals against Germany was the best version of the Brazilian ace. 

Kylian Mbappe vs Argentina, 2018 Round of 16 

Kylian Mbappe’s worth is now in gold, and it is not a metaphor. No offer is good enough that will convince PSG to let him go; ask Florentino Perez. Very few players can match Mbappe’s stature in modern-day football, one of them being Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Kylian Mbappe is touted to be the next legend of this game. Kylian Mbappe is a generational talent, and he has shown glimpses of his greatness since he was a boy. 

Kylian Mbappe became the first teenager after Pele to score a brace in a FIFA World Cup match, a record which stood since 1958. Kylian Mbappe achieved this feat against Argentina in the 2018 Round of 16 clash. Kylian Mbappe’s brace helped France to edge past Argentina in a thrilling 4-3 encounter. Kylian Mbappe was the best player on the pitch that night despite the presence of Lionel Messi.

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