Without Messi and CR7: Who will win the Ballon d'Or?

For the first time in 21 years, neither world champion Lionel Messi nor his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo are on the list of 30 nominated football stars. While Messi was able to secure the Golden Ball for the eighth time in 2023 after a strong World Cup in Qatar, the 37-year-old will be missing this time. His performances in the USA for Inter Miami, as well as the goals scored by CR7, who is two years older, in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, are no longer of great sporting relevance.

This means that a new name will definitely appear as the winner in the elite list. Luka Modric (2018) and Karim Benzema (2022), who were the only ones to get in the way of the two world stars of football in the last 15 editions, are also not nominated.

Vinicius Jr. as top favorite This time, the best chances are attributed to Vinicius Jr. of Champions League winners Real Madrid. With four goals in the knockout matches of the premier class, including the opening goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund, the Brazilian played a decisive role in the Royal's 15th triumph. Other candidates also wear the Real jersey: Jude Bellingham, who was voted player of the season in Spain, or the currently injured European champion Dani Carvajal.

Rodri played outstandingly until his injury. © APA/afp / OLI SCARFF

Another candidate is Rodri from Manchester City, who was named the best European Championship player and led his club to its fourth championship in a row. Toni Kroos is also likely to be in the top spot after the end of his successful career with six Champions League victories. The fact that Jamal Musiala was not considered has caused resentment at FC Bayern.

And the coaches? Successful coach Xabi Alonso of double winner Bayer Leverkusen can have high hopes for the Coach of the Year award. He will be competing against Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola of English champions Manchester City and Spain's European champion Luis de la Fuente, among others.

The Ballon d'Or has been awarded annually since 1956 by the specialist magazine "France Football", which belongs to the French media group Groupe Amaury. Since this year, UEFA has been co-organizing the prestigious award. The Ballon d'Or is not a replacement for the World Footballer of the Year award. This award continues to be organized by the world association FIFA. From 2010 to 2015, the World Footballer of the Year was awarded the Golden Ball through a cooperation between FIFA and "France Football".

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Without Messi and CR7: Who will win the Ballon d'Or?

When the 68th Ballon d'Or is awarded this evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the exquisite event will have almost a historic touch.

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