Ballon d'Or Sans Messi, Ronaldo

This year’s Ballon d'Or nominations have brought a notable change, for the first time since 2003. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are absent from the list. For fans like me, who have followed the beautiful game from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the grand stadiums of Europe via television, this is not just a statistical anomaly, it’s the end of an era that reshaped football’s very landscape.

As I reflect on the significance of this moment, it's hard not to feel a spasm of nostalgia mixed with awe. Ronaldo and Messi have not merely been footballers, they have been icons, transcending the sport and touching the lives of millions across the globe. For over two decades, their rivalry and brilliance have defined our footballing reality, providing countless moments of magic that will be cherished by fans for generations to come.

For me, and many football enthusiasts from Nepal, their influence extended far beyond the pitch. Their astonishing feats, Ronaldo’s relentless drive and Messi’s mesmerizing dribbles, were the fuel that stoked our passion for football. Their presence in Ballon d'Or nominations became a given, a reassuring constant in a world full of uncertainties. Each year, their names on the list were not just about accolades, they were a celebration of excellence, a testament to what can be achieved with extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication.

However, as the 2024 nominations unfold without their names, we must confront the reality of change. This absence signifies more than the end of an era, it symbolises the shifting sands of football, where new legends are poised to rise and reshape the narrative. The spotlight is now on a new generation of talent, players who will forge their paths, create their legends and capture our imaginations in ways that are uniquely their own.

The beauty of football lies in its perpetual evolution. As Messi and Ronaldo step aside from the immediate limelight, it’s an opportunity for us to embrace the new wave of stars who are already beginning to captivate us with their skills and stories. The likes of Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and others are ready to step into the breach, bringing their style and excitement to the game.

This transition is not merely a shift in player prominence but a reminder of the cyclical nature of the sport. Just as legends like Diego Maradona and Pelé once dominated the headlines and inspired millions, Messi and Ronaldo have now paved the way for a new generation to etch their names into football’s rich tapestry. For us in Nepal, where football is often a celebration of community and shared passion, the absence of Messi and Ronaldo from the Ballon d'Or list is a moment for reflection and renewal. We have been privileged to witness their careers unfold, and as their chapter in the sport draws to a close, we embrace the future with the same fervour and enthusiasm that defined their era.

In celebrating the end of this iconic chapter, let us also look forward with anticipation. The beautiful game will continue to dazzle, inspire, and unite us. The legends of tomorrow are already emerging, and as fans, we have the unparalleled joy of discovering and supporting them, just as we did with Messi and Ronaldo. As we turn the page, let us honour the past with gratitude and welcome the future with open arms. After all, the essence of football lies not just in the names on the nomination list, but in the dreams it ignites and the stories it continues to weave.