Neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have made the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or for the first time since 2003.

Messi was expected to be among the 30 nominees after leading Argentina to the Copa America trophy in July while Ronaldo has been in typically prolific form for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

But the Inter Miami striker, who won his eighth BdO last year, was not included with Ronaldo also absent.

It is the clearest sign yet that Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance of world football is over, perhaps not surprising given they are 37 and 39 years old respectively.

Vinicius Jnr is the favourite to land the award on October 28 after a glittering season in which he played a crucial role in Real Madrid winning a La Liga and Champions League double. His Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham is also among the favourites after a wonderful debut campaign at the Bernabeu.

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the closest challenger to the Madrid pair after starring as Pep Guardiola’s side won the Premier League for the fourth successive time and then helping Spain land the European Championship crown over the summer.

Rodri is joined by five of his Spain team-mates with Dani Carvajal – who also helped Madrid succeed domestically and in Europe – Dani Olmo, teenager Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Alejandro Grimaldo all nominated.

England, beaten finalists in Germany, also have six nominees with Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all included alongside Bellingham.

Although Messi was not named, his Argentina colleagues Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez did make the cut for their starring roles in their country’s Copa triumph.

Other notable players to be included were Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Granit Xhaka and the now-retired Toni Kroos.




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