No Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as Ballon d’Or shortlist marks beginning of new era

For the first time in over 20 years, the 30-player shortlist of Ballon d'Or contenders doesn't consist of either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. This year marks an end to the domination of the superstars. Messi has won the award for a record eight times, including last year. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has clinched it five times.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been excluded from the Ballon d'Or shortlist.(Getty Images)

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami at the MLS, but is currently out injured. He did win the Copa America last year, making it back-to-back, and also the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are some of the big names to be nominated this year.