Ronaldo Misses Out On 30-Man Shortlist For Ballon D'or Award

Cristiano Ronaldo has not been included in the 30-man shortlist for the 2023 FIFA Ballon D'or award.

Oct 2, 2023 61

Ronaldo Misses Out On 30-Man Shortlist For Ballon D'or Award

It is the first time in 20 years that the Portugal captain has not been nominated for football's most prestigious individual prize.

Ronaldo has won the Ballon D'or five times with his last triumph coming in 2017.

Meanwhile Ronaldo's nemesis, Lionel Messi, is in line to pick up his eight Ballon D'or award after helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

But after scoring 52 goals in all competitions last season and helping Manchester City win the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, Erling Haaland could push Messi all the way.

The Norwegian is one of seven current Manchester City players who have been nominated.

Last year's winner Karim Benzema nowadays plays his club football for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia but the Frenchman has been included for his exploits with Real Madrid last season.

The winner for this year's prize will be announced on October 30.

Ballon d'Or nominees

Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City, Croatia)

Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Andre Onana (Manchester United, Cameroon)

Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad, France)

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England)

Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)

Randal Kolo Muani (Paris St-Germain, France)

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, Portugal)