Cristiano Ronaldo has long been on the list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or. His annual inclusion in the nominations began in 2004, and he impressed and was consistent on the soccer world’s biggest stage over the years.
However, the 2022–23 campaign drastically changed the course of Ronaldo’s career. After a tumultuous start to the season, he made a bold decision to say goodbye to Europe. He left Manchester United, where he had made a famous return, to embark on a new journey in Saudi Arabia, signing with Al-Nassr in December.
Despite a fairly rated season for Al-Nassr, where he scored 26 goals in 33 games, the 38-year-old Portuguese superstar remained out of the 30-man nominees. This was the first time in two decades that Ronaldo failed to make the coveted shortlist, which has left fans wondering if he may have lost his limelight.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still the last Premier League Player to win the Ballon D’Or
Greatness 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ZIXVfubOgd
— 7 (@NoodleHairCR7) October 17, 2023
The 2023 Ballon d’Or, the most heavyweight award in the world of soccer, saw a nomination of players who impressed a lot throughout the entirety of the previous season. The top three nominees included Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi. Last year, French striker Karim Benzema won the coveted award.
Messi, who recently joined MLS side Inter Miami, made a stunning comeback after being nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or. His absence from the 30-man roster for the 2022 edition raised eyebrows, but this season he has once again found himself among the world’s top players, challenging for the top title.
Messi, who guided Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup last year, is looking to win his eighth Ballon d’Or, a feat among the game’s all-time greats.
Lionel Messi is set to secure his eighth Ballon d’Or title, according to leaked reports
According to rumors, the 2023 Ballon d’Or results have reportedly been released online, leaving soccer fans around the world confused. Lionel Messi is set to win the coveted 2023 Ballon d’Or, according to leading sports news outlet, Diario SPORT. In doing so, he beat off stiff competition from two of the game’s most exciting talents, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
The 67th Ballon d’Or awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Theatre du Chateau in Paris, France, on October 30. This year’s event is only the second time in the history of the awards that it depends on the outcome of last season rather than the traditional calendar year.
🚨 – BREAKING: Lionel Messi has won his 8th Ballon d’Or. [@sport] pic.twitter.com/sqJz7wPq2n
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 17, 2023
The shortlist of 30 nominees was revealed on September 6, 2023, each vying for the title of the best player in the world. Notable individuals included Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Kevin De Bruyne. Messi was the bookmaker’s favorite to win the top honor.
Messi’s stunning 2022–23 season certainly played a key role in winning his eighth Ballon d’Or. He led his national team to FIFA World Cup glory in 2022, scoring seven goals, including a vital goal in the final against France. This event also earned him the second Golden Ball in a storied career.
The Argentinian maestro also had a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), scoring 21 goals and providing 20 assists in 41 matches, and was instrumental in the French club winning the Ligue 1 title.