End of an era – Messi and Ronaldo miss out on Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time in 21 years
For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi is nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, with the 30 nominees announced on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, was also omitted last year. Lionel Messi, a seven-time winner and previously nominated 16 times,