The Ballon d’Or Shortlist: A New Era Unfolds
The Ballon d’Or shortlist has always been a topic of great interest in the world of football. This year, however, it’s a different story. The usual suspects, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are nowhere to be found. But what’s behind this sudden change?
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo from the list is a shock, especially considering their incredible achievements on the pitch. Messi, now 37, would have been going for his record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or, while Ronaldo has won five and is still one of the greatest players of all time. But, as we know, they’re no longer playing in Europe, and it seems their dominance is finally coming to an end.
So, who made the cut? The Ballon d’Or shortlist features 30 nominees, and we’re excited to see who will be vying for the top prize. With the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Kevin De Bruyne, this year’s competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.
But, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The Ballon d’Or has been dominated by Messi and Ronaldo for over a decade, with the exception of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. This year, however, it seems like the tide is turning. Could we be seeing a new era of Ballon d’Or winners?
Looking back at past winners, we can see that the award has been won by a variety of players, from different leagues and countries. Take, for example, Pavel Nedved, who won the award in 2003. He was a midfielder from Czech Republic, playing for Juventus in Serie A. His win marked a shift away from the dominance of Spanish and English players, and towards a more global approach.
Fast forward to today, and we can see that the Ballon d’Or has become a more inclusive award. With players from all over the world competing for the top prize, it’s exciting to think about who might win next year.
So, what do you think? Are you excited to see who will win the Ballon d’Or this year? Let us know in the comments!
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