2024 Ballon d'Or Nominees Spark Debate as Messi and Ronaldo Miss Historic Shortlist

The anticipation surrounding the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees reached a fever pitch this week as the esteemed France Football magazine unveiled its shortlist of 30 players vying for the accolade of the world's best footballer. This year's nominations come with a historic twist: for the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the mix, marking a significant shift in football's elite. As we dissect the list of nominees, the debates surrounding who truly deserves the prestigious award and who has been left out inevitably arise. Notably, the inclusion of Ademola Lookman, who shone in the Europa League final with a hat-trick and helped Nigeria reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, raises eyebrows. However, critics argue that his overall season with Atalanta, where he participated in just 55 percent of league minutes, may not warrant a top-30 spot. On the other hand, players like Vitinha and Dani Olmo are met with skepticism regarding their nominations. While both have demonstrated talent, their contributions over the entire season seem overshadowed by more influential midfielders. For Olmo, who excelled during the Euros yet struggled to maintain that form in the Bundesliga and Champions League, the nod feels fortunate at best. The inconsistency in their performances compared to other contenders has led some to question the criteria for selection. Conversely, the omission of certain players has sparked frustration among fans and analysts alike. Serhou Guirassy, with an impressive tally of 28 goals and a remarkable goals-per-game ratio, seems to have been overlooked despite his significant contributions. Similarly, young prodigy Jamal Musiala's absence from the shortlist is lamentable, as many believe his talent and performances should have secured him a place among the elite. The case for Emiliano Martinez’s nomination also draws scrutiny. While his pivotal role in Argentina's Copa America triumph is acknowledged, his club performance with Aston Villa, which only qualified for the Champions League, raises questions about the merit of his inclusion. Similarly, Mats Hummels, who made the list, faces criticism for overshadowing other deserving candidates like Virgil van Dijk, whose impact on Liverpool's success cannot be understated. As for the frontrunners, Rodri emerges as a strong candidate, with his exceptional consistency and influence over Manchester City’s successful campaign, including the Premier League and European Championship triumph. His pivotal role as a midfielder highlights the need for more recognition of players in non-attacking positions, emphasizing that individual accolades should not solely favor goalscorers. Vinicius Jr. is another name frequently mentioned in discussions about potential winners. His captivating performances and contributions to Real Madrid have captivated fans and pundits alike. However, despite the accolades, there remains a sense that attacking players are often placed on a pedestal, overshadowing the contributions of midfielders and defenders. As the countdown to the award ceremony on October 28 continues, the conversation surrounding the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominations is sure to intensify. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the shifting landscape of football's elite makes this year's awards particularly intriguing. Ultimately, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who walks away with the coveted honor, as the debate over merit, form, and impact on the game continues to shape the narrative of this storied accolade.