Soccer fans worldwide are witnessing history – but not the kind anyone expected. For the first time since 2003, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won’t compete for the Ballon d’Or, soccer’s most prestigious award. The shocking snub marks the end of a 20-year duopoly that redefined the sport 🌍.
The 30-player shortlist revealed Wednesday excluded both legends, leaving fans split between nostalgia and excitement for fresh talent. Messi (8 wins) and Ronaldo (5 wins) dominated the award like Marvel’s Avengers dominate box offices – until now 🦸♂️.
While neither star has officially retired, their absence signals a seismic shift. Young phenoms like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé now take center stage. As one fan tweeted: 'First sunset emojis, now this? 2024 is full of plot twists 😭⚡.'
Analysts suggest aging stars and Europe’s evolving soccer landscape contributed to the change. But don’t count out the GOATs yet – both players continue to score globally, from Miami to Saudi Arabia 🛫⚽.
