Ballon d’Or, for most of the 21st century, has been dominated by two footballers — Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two have 13 trophies between them, with the former winning eight.
But when the nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2025 were released on Thursday, the two names were missing for what is the second time in a row.
When was the last time Lionel Messi featured on the Ballon d’Or list?
Messi was last nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2023. He went on to win the trophy that time, having won the FIFA World Cup the year prior. However, he had missed out on the 30-man shortlist in 2022.
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When did Cristiano Ronaldo last feature on the Ballon d’Or list?
Ronaldo last featured in the list in 2022 when he finished 20th in the 30-man shortlist, his lowest position since 2005.
When was the last time Messi and Ronaldo were shortlisted together on the Ballon d’Or list?
Messi and Ronaldo last appeared together in the Ballon d’Or list in 2021. Messi won the Ballon d’Or then, while Ronaldo finished sixth.
The first appearance of the two together on the list dates back to 2007 when Ronaldo finished second and Messi, third.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com