Messi, Ronaldo big misses as Ballon d'Or nominees released

There was no Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in their illustrous careers since 2013 as the list of nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or was released on Wednesday.

Six England players who reached the final of the Euro 2024 are on the 30-man shortlist but there was no Nigerian this year, unlike the 2023 edition when Victor Osimhen was named and finished in 8th place..

Captain Harry Kane, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are in the running for the prestigious prize, awarded to the best male footballer in 2024.

Lamine Yamal - the Spain and Barcelona winger of Moroccan descent who only turned 17 in July, is also in the running.

Lamine Yamal was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament award as they beat England 2-1 in the final by Spain in Berlin on 14th July.

For Premier League fans are a combined eight players from Manchester City and Arsenal, who finished first and second respectively in the Premier League, nominated.