Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has been left out of this year’s nominees for football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or, as revealed by organizers on Wednesday. Despite winning the Copa America with Argentina in July, the 37-year-old Inter Miami forward is not among the 30 contenders this year. This marks the second time Messi has been excluded in recent years, having also missed out in 2022 when Karim Benzema won the accolade.
Messi last claimed the award in 2023 after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. Now, other football stars are set to battle for the prestigious title, with the nominees selected by a jury of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations.
Among the favorites is Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, who is one of six Real Madrid players nominated after their La Liga and Champions League successes last season. Joining him are Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Ruediger, and Fede Valverde. Kylian Mbappe, who recently transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, is also on the list.
From Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team, notable nominees include Dani Carvajal, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal. England has strong representation with six players nominated, including Erling Haaland from Manchester City and Harry Kane, who now plays for Bayern Munich. However, Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner now playing in Saudi Arabia, is not featured among the nominees.
In the coaching category, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga season, is a favorite alongside Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Spain’s Luis de la Fuente.
For the women’s Ballon d’Or, Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain, last year’s winner, is aiming to retain her title. Former winners Ada Hegerberg and Alexia Putellas are also nominated, along with five players from the United States’ Olympic gold medal-winning team: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Horan, and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in Paris on October 28, where the world’s best footballers and coaches will be honored.
