In the recent Ballon d'Or awards ceremony held in Paris on October 30, Lionel Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d'Or, further extending his record.
However, conspicuously absent from the list of 30 nominees for the prestigious award for the second year in a row was Cristiano Ronaldo. This omission has sparked discussions about whether Ronaldo's era of football dominance has reached its conclusion.
This marks the second time in two decades that the Portuguese superstar, a five-time winner who received 19 consecutive nominations between 2004 and 2022, was notably missing from this year's list.
Al-Nassr star's reaction to this snub must have been one of astonishment. He has consistently expressed his desire to continue playing at the "highest level" well into his forties, but the exclusion hints that the football world might be transitioning beyond his era.
Although the former Real Madrid and Manchester United talisman has displayed impressive form with the Arabian outfit, netting 14 goals in his initial 16 games for the club, the Saudi Pro League is notably less competitive than Europe's top five divisions. His move to the Middle East seemed almost inevitable after a turbulent conclusion to his second stint with Manchester United.
Under the management of Erik ten Hag, Cristiano spent most of the first half of the 2022/23 season on the bench, managing only three goals in the 10 games he started across all competitions, indicating a decline in his impact.
In light of these developments, it became challenging to argue that Ronaldo deserved a place among the 30 Ballon d'Or nominees for 2023. Despite his remarkable individual achievements, it appears that his reign as a frontrunner in the football world is showing signs of waning, as the sport evolves beyond his era.
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Can Cristiano Ronaldo win the Ballon d'Or 2024 with Al-Nassr?
Winning the Arabian League in 2024 would be a significant achievement for the 38-year-old, and it would serve as the first stepping stone on his path to Ballon d'Or glory.
Cristiano's arrival to the Middle East may not have immediately secured the Saudi Pro League title in the 2022/23 season, as they ended up as runners-up, behind Al-Ittihad.
However, they seem to have put that disappointment behind them and have embarked on a promising journey in the new season. Nine games into the campaign, Al-Nassr find themselves in a commendable third place, just four points behind the league leaders.
Notably, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been setting the league ablaze with his goal-scoring magic, currently holding the distinction of the top scorer in the domestic league this season, with an impressive tally of 10 goals to his name.
Nevertheless, if he can maintain his exceptional form and lead his side to the major prize, he might be carving out a path toward claiming a sixth Ballon d'Or.
How Cristiano Ronaldo could win the sixth Ballon d'Or?
Securing the much-anticipated Euro trophy in 2016, the Portuguese star captured his fourth Ballon d'Or with an unprecedented lead of 429 points over second-placed Lionel Messi and third-placed Antoine Griezmann.
This means his performances for the Portuguese national team have long been a cornerstone of his legacy.
Selecao's path to the 2024 European Championship has been remarkable, with an unblemished record in the qualifiers. Scoring 32 goals and conceding only two, they are a formidable force under new manager Roberto Martinez.
The 38-year-old has shone in the qualifiers, netting nine goals and providing an assist. Furthermore, if Portugal secures the 2024 Euros, it could be a significant milestone for their superstar. A successful European Championship campaign could be a game-changer in his pursuit of the coveted award. A combination of a major international trophy and individual accolades could put him in contention for the Ballon d'Or.
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