Toluwani Lasisi
For the first time in 21 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will not be contending for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, as both football legends have been left out of the 30-man shortlist.
The absence of the duo marks a new chapter in football history making way for a new generation of footballers of talent after both players dominated the award for two decades.
The two legends have combined 15 out of the 21 awards that have been issued since 2003, including everyone from 2008 to 2017.
Messi, who secured his eighth Ballon d’Or last year, is not among the 30 contenders this time, despite winning the Copa America for Argentina in July.
Ronaldo has not won the award since 2017
