The end of an era. For the first time since 2003, the list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or, unveiled this Wednesday, September 4, does not include Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Absences that testify to the declining influence of the two footballing monuments in their sport.
Departures to the United States and Saudi Arabia
Messi, who won the Copa America this year, has gone into exile in the United States and is playing for Inter Miami. Currently injured, he has played 15 matches this season (14 goals, 9 assists). The fact that he is not nominated is necessarily an event, especially since he was the defending champion and has won eight Ballon d’Ors.
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The absence of “CR7”, five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is obviously not insignificant either, even if he was already missing last year. The Portuguese has just resumed the season in Saudi Arabia. He has scored four goals in as many matches in all competitions.
