For the second consecutive year, the list of 30 nominees for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award was released without two of its most iconic names: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The omission of the two legends, who have won the award a combined 13 times, signals a definitive passing of the torch and the true beginning of a new era in world football. This article explains why Messi Ronaldo not nominated Ballon d’Or 2025, a question on the minds of many fans.
The move away from Europe’s elite
The primary reason for their absence for a second straight year is straightforward: neither player currently competes in one of Europe’s top-five leagues. No player from outside this elite group was nominated for the 2025 award. With Messi now starring for Inter Miami in MLS and Ronaldo leading the line for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, their chances of even being shortlisted were slim, as the award heavily favors performances in top-tier European competitions. This marks the end of a nearly two-decade streak, lasting from 2003, where at least one of the two superstars was included on the list.
Impressive stats were not enough
Both players continued to post impressive numbers for their respective clubs, giving it a strong effort to remain in the conversation. Messi recorded an incredible 30 goals and 13 assists in just 37 appearances for Inter Miami. Ronaldo was equally prolific, bagging 35 goals in 41 games for Al Nassr while also scoring three crucial goals during Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League title charge. However, these impressive feats were ultimately not deemed sufficient to warrant a Ballon d’Or nomination when compared against achievements in the Champions League and Europe’s premier domestic leagues.
A potential World Cup return?
Although their era of dominance seems to be over, the door may not be completely shut. The article speculates on the intriguing possibility that a triumphant campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with either Argentina or Portugal could provide a fairytale final nomination for one of the icons at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo from the shortlist effectively closes the book on the incredible duopoly that defined an entire generation of football. While their legacy is untouchable, the focus of the Ballon d’Or has now firmly shifted to the new generation of superstars plying their trade in Europe, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history.