Cristiano Ronaldo misses Golden Ball nomination for the first time in 19 years
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo (photo: Getty Images)
For the first time in 19 years, Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo did not make it to the list of nominees for the Golden Ball. Instead, his main rival throughout his career, Lionel Messi, is considered the top contender for the award, according to the list of nominees for the Golden Ball from France Football on Twitter.
The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious award presented to the best footballer once a year. Since 1956, it has been awarded by the French magazine France Football. Every year, a preliminary list of 30 candidate footballers is announced.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won this award 5 times, is not on the list this year. Instead, the seven-time Golden Ball winner, Lionel Messi, is once again considered the top contender for the "Golden Ball" after winning with the Argentine national team in the last World Cup.
The current Ballon d'Or holder, Karim Benzema, is also among the nominees. However, Norwegian forward Erling Haaland is considered Messi's main rival. Haaland, who played for Manchester City last season, achieved an incredible feat by scoring 52 goals and contributing significantly to City's victories in the Champions League, Premier League, and the FA Cup.
The list of contenders for the most prestigious award also includes: Emiliano Martinez, Yassine Bounou, Andre Onana, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Min Che Kim, Jamal Musiala, Mohamed Salah, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Randal Kolo Muani, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, and Rodri;
Hvicha Kvaratskhelia, Luka Modric, Nicolo Barella, Martin Edegor, Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Junior, Lautaro Martinez, Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, Victor Osimhen, and Harry Kane.
Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo won his first trophy with his new team. He led the Saudi Arabian club "Al-Nassr" to victory in the Arab Champions League with a brace.
The day before, Ronaldo scored the winning goal that secured "Al-Nassr" a spot in the Arab Champions League final.
