The Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony holds on Monday, with excitement surrounding the top contenders for the prestigious title.
Notable nominees include Rodri, and Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, who have all impressed with exceptional performances this year.
Yet, despite the anticipation, a familiar face is notably absent from both the candidate list and the voting process.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, reportedly chose not to participate in the voting.
Ballon d’Or Chief Vincent Garcia revealed that Ronaldo, who holds voting privileges as a past winner, is “very upset” with recent award decisions.
Garcia noted that some winners choose to disengage, explaining, “I can’t speak to Cristiano’s feelings directly, but he opted out of voting, as he did last year.”
Ronaldo had previously supported criticism against Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win, calling it “unfair.”
This year’s Ballon d’Or will for the first time in 21 years, see the absence of Ronaldo and Messi.
Commenting on their absence, Garcia said, “Had they been on the shortlist, I have no doubt they would have garnered votes.”
Although not in contention for the 2024 award, both Messi and Ronaldo continue to captivate fans, with Messi shining in Major League Soccer and Ronaldo leading in the Saudi Pro League.