Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were not shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or in 2025. This continues a recent trend, as last year (2024) was the first time both were not shortlisted after dominating the award for nearly two decades. They have collectively won 14 Ballon d’Or awards over 16 years from 2008 to 2023.
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Key Reasons Include:
- Both players have moved to less competitive leagues (Ronaldo to Saudi Pro League), or had an injury-affected season (Messi), reducing their visibility and impact at elite club levels.
- Their recent performances have not matched the high standards required for nomination, while younger players like Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, Jude Bellingham, and Ousmane Dembélé have stood out more this season.
- The Football panel of journalists primarily considers performances during the year, club and national team achievements, and fair play, where the new generation excelled.
- This marks the first time since 2003 that neither Messi nor Ronaldo was shortlisted, widely interpreted as the end of an era in world football.
Here is the Ballon d’Or list for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo:
| Player | Ballond’Or | Winning Years |
| Lionel Messi | 8 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 | 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 |
- Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards with 8 trophies, winning in the years listed above. His most recent win was in 2023, notably after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or 5 times, with his wins spanning from 2008 to 2017.
Both players have dominated the award in the 21st century, with Messi leading in total wins and Ronaldo having the most nominations (18).
Summary
Messi and Ronaldo were not nominated for the Ballon d’Or 2025 due to their reduced impact and the rise of a new generation of standout players dominating football this season.
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