How Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s 21-Year Ballon d’Or Reign Ended with Their Absence from the 2023 Shortlist

For the first time in more than two decades, the prestigious Ballon d’Or shortlist has arrived without the names of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. The 2023 list marked a seismic shift in football, as two of the most iconic and dominant figures in the sport were noticeably absent. Their exclusion underscores a changing era in world football, signaling that the incredible dominance these two legends once had is beginning to wane.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been synonymous with the Ballon d’Or for the past 21 years. These two players, often pitted against each other in debates over who is the greatest footballer of all time, have created legacies that will stand the test of time. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or seven times, while Ronaldo has claimed it five times. Between them, they have won the award 12 out of the last 13 years, with their rivalry pushing both to extraordinary levels.

The inclusion of both players on the Ballon d’Or shortlist has become something of an expectation. For over two decades, the question was not whether they would be nominated, but rather who would win between the two. Year after year, Ronaldo and Messi continued to break records and lift major trophies. Their absence from the 2023 shortlist marks the end of an era — a clear sign that the next generation of stars is ready to take center stage.

At 38, Cristiano Ronaldo has been slowly moving away from the center of elite football. His recent move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia from Manchester United is seen by many as the beginning of the final chapter of his storied career. While he remains one of the most recognizable and marketable athletes in the world, his performances on the field have naturally declined from the dizzying heights he once reached in his prime. Though he continues to score goals and perform at a high level, the global spotlight that once followed him in Europe has dimmed slightly.

Similarly, Lionel Messi’s journey has taken him across continents. After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two seasons before making a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. His departure from European football has contributed to his omission from the Ballon d’Or shortlist, though his performances in the United States have been nothing short of remarkable. Messi has helped raise the profile of football in the U.S., even leading Inter Miami to its first-ever major trophy. Nevertheless, being outside the European leagues, where the top-level competitions like the UEFA Champions League are held, has diminished his visibility in the race for individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or.

The shift away from Ronaldo and Messi as central figures in world football has been gradual. Over the past few years, younger players like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and others have emerged, stepping up as the new superstars. Mbappé, in particular, has been seen as the heir apparent to Messi’s throne, thanks to his speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Erling Haaland, on the other hand, has taken the football world by storm with his incredible goal-scoring numbers at Manchester City, leading them to a historic treble, including the UEFA Champions League title in the 2022-2023 season. Haaland’s form makes him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, as he has quickly established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in football.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or nominations reflect the changing dynamics in world football. While Messi and Ronaldo are no longer at the forefront of the sport’s biggest individual prize, this shift in focus is an indication of the exciting new generation of talent. Players like Mbappé and Haaland, along with others such as Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Pedri, are taking the mantle and shaping the future of the game. This transition is not only natural but also necessary for the continued growth and evolution of football.

However, the absence of Ronaldo and Messi from the Ballon d’Or shortlist does not diminish their legacies in any way. Both players have transcended the sport and become global icons, achieving feats that are unlikely to be replicated anytime soon. Messi’s record-breaking seven Ballon d’Or victories and Ronaldo’s five will forever be etched in history. They have set standards that have defined an era, and their rivalry has spurred both to extraordinary heights, benefiting the sport as a whole.

It is also worth noting that Ronaldo and Messi’s achievements go beyond just individual awards. They have both been instrumental in leading their respective teams to unprecedented success. Messi’s time at Barcelona, where he won multiple La Liga titles and Champions League trophies, and Ronaldo’s incredible success at Real Madrid, where he lifted the Champions League four times in five years, are testaments to their greatness. Even in the twilight of their careers, they continue to inspire and influence younger generations of footballers around the world.

Looking forward, the footballing world is at a crossroads. As Ronaldo and Messi move towards the later stages of their careers, the mantle is being passed to a new group of players who are eager to make their mark. The likes of Mbappé, Haaland, and others represent the future of football, and their inclusion on the Ballon d’Or shortlist is a reflection of their growing influence.

Ultimately, the omission of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi from the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist signifies the end of one of football’s most remarkable eras. While their presence on the global stage may be diminishing, their contributions to the game will never be forgotten. They have redefined what it means to be a footballer, and their legacies will continue to shape the sport for years to come.