As the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony unfolds in Paris on Monday, it signals the conclusion of an extraordinary era defined by the remarkable rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For the first time in over a decade, voters did not nominate either player for the coveted award, marking a departure from a period during which they collectively claimed the title 13 times in 16 years.
This year, the spotlight shifts to Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr., who stands as the frontrunner to claim the prestigious accolade. His impressive performances have captivated fans and critics alike, positioning him as a key figure in the current landscape of football.
During their prime, Messi and Ronaldo personified the greatness of two of Europe’s most storied clubs: Barcelona and Real Madrid. Their contributions to international tournaments, particularly Messi’s stunning display at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, further solidified their legacies as two of the greatest players in history.
Ballon d’Or Winners (2008-2023):
| Year | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United (POR) |
| 2009 | Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona (ARG) |
| 2010 | Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona (ARG) |
| 2011 | Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona (ARG) |
| 2012 | Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona (ARG) |
| 2013 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid (POR) |
| 2014 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid (POR) |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona (ARG) |
| 2016 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid (POR) |
| 2017 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid (POR) |
| 2018 | Luka Modric | Real Madrid (CRO) |
| 2019 | Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona (ARG) |
| 2021 | Lionel Messi | Paris Saint Germain (ARG) |
| 2022 | Karim Benzema | Real Madrid (FRA) |
| 2023 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami (ARG) |
In the last 16 years, Real Madrid has also asserted its dominance in the award, with only Luka Modric (2018) and Karim Benzema (2022) breaking the Messi-Ronaldo stronghold, and both players were also part of the Spanish giants. The award was notably paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s ceremony honors the 2023-24 season, during which Real Madrid secured both La Liga and the Champions League titles, with Vinicius Jr. playing a pivotal role in those triumphs. Other contenders for this year’s award include Jude Bellingham, Vinicius’s teammate who helped England reach the Euros final, and Rodri, who contributed significantly to Manchester City’s Premier League title and Spain’s Euros victory.
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo from the nominations marks a significant shift in the footballing landscape, inviting fresh faces to the forefront of the sport and highlighting the evolution of talent within the game. As fans and pundits eagerly await the announcement, one thing is clear: the era of Messi and Ronaldo, while historic, has given way to new possibilities in the world of football.
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