Why the 39-year-old striker Cristiano Ronaldo said Ballon d’Or is ‘losing credibility’ after not being selected in nominees for previous award

After being excluded from the Ballon d’Or shortlist, Cristiano Ronaldo once declared that the trophy was losing its legitimacy.

Thirty of the best players in the world were nominated for the top individual men’s football honor, and France Football revealed the candidates for the 2024 award on Wednesday night.

Ronaldo, the five-time winner of the trophy from Al Nassr, was left off the list despite leading the Saudi Pro League team in goals scored in all competitions with 44 goals last season.

Another conspicuous absence from the 2024 shortlist was his fierce rival Lionel Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times, including last year.

For the first time since 2003, neither Ronaldo nor Messi are among the nominees for the prize.

Ronaldo stated in a speech from the previous year that FIFA The Best and the Ballon d’Or were “losing credibility.”

His remarks followed his exclusion from the nominations despite finishing the calendar year with 54 goals, which positioned him as the world’s top scorer in football for 2023.

It’s not that Messi, [Erling] Haaland, or even [Kylian] Mbappe didn’t earn it. Nevertheless, the figures are real and unfalse. You have to take the full season into account,” Ronaldo stated to Record.

“The figures represent actual data. People truly thought I was lost when it came to my time at Manchester United and the national team, but in reality, I was very focused and had a fantastic time in Al Nassr, which is why I scored 54 goals.

“I’ll play football as long as my body and mind are in good condition and I like it. I am currently content and fulfilled on the pitch, both with the national team and the club.

“I’m doing what I like most: goals and good performances.”

Regarding their exclusion from consideration for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, which is now expected to be won by a player for the first time in their career, Ronaldo and Messi have not yet responded.

At the moment, bookmakers see Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. as the winner, with Rodri of Manchester City and Jude Bellingham of Madrid also being favorites.