The list of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, revealed on Wednesday on the L’Equipe website, prominently features players from Spain, winners of Euro 2024, and Real Madrid players, who were crowned champions of the Champions League. In contrast, Lionel Messi, the reigning holder of the trophy, was not selected.
This is the second time since 2005 that Messi, who won the award for the 8th time last year, is absent from the race for this prestigious individual prize. The Ballon d’Or will be awarded after a vote by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. Messi, now playing for Inter Miami after being a Barcelona legend, had also been excluded in 2022.
Although Messi won a second Copa America with Argentina this year (after 2021), his impact was less significant this time. He left the final in the 66th minute due to an ankle injury.
Other major names in world football are well represented. Brazilian forward Vinicius, a strong favorite after Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League win, is included alongside his teammates Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé.
Erling Haaland, Premier League champion with Manchester City, and English striker Harry Kane, an unfortunate Euro 2024 finalist, are also present, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been playing in Saudi Arabia since 2023 (Al-Nassr).
The list also includes a significant number of European champions wearing the Spain jersey (Dani Carvajal, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal).
For the French, defender William Saliba, who performed exceptionally at the Euro, is the only one accompanying Mbappé.
Xabi Alonso, Bundesliga champion with Bayer Leverkusen, Carlo Ancelotti, Champions League winner with Real Madrid, and Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish coach, are favorites for the Coach of the Season award. Italian Gian Piero Gasperini, who won the Europa League with Atalanta Bergamasca, Pep Guardiola, and Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni are also nominated.
In the women’s category, Spanish player Aitana Bonmati will attempt to win a second title, while her Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas aims for a third win after 2021 and 2022.
