Ballon d'Or 2023 without Messi or Ronaldo: a new era in football as Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, and Haaland vie for the crown.
For the first time in over a decade, football’s grandest stage is missing two of its most iconic stars. When the Ballon d'Or is presented at a gala in Paris, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will be among the nominees. It’s a moment that feels like the dawn of a new era in football.
For 16 years, Messi and Ronaldo defined the Ballon d'Or, winning a combined 13 times and captivating fans worldwide with their rivalry. This year, however, the spotlight shifts to rising stars like Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. Football fans around the globe are left wondering: what’s next?
"There’s never been a rivalry like that before," says football author Jonathan Wilson, summarizing the unparalleled careers of Messi and Ronaldo.
The Era of Messi and Ronaldo: A Legacy of Dominance
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo not only reshaped the Ballon d'Or but also elevated it to new heights, especially in the age of social media. Messi’s 2022 World Cup win with Argentina secured him his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or last year, but his and Ronaldo’s exclusion from this year’s list signals a passing of the torch to the next generation.
Such was their impact that Messi and Ronaldo set unprecedented records, with Messi reaching over 700 career goals and Ronaldo being the only player to score in five World Cups. Their stats have yet to be matched, making their departure from the Ballon d'Or bittersweet for fans who have followed their journey.
Vinícius Júnior: The Next Face of Football?
One of the top contenders for this year’s Ballon d'Or, Vinícius Júnior, has had a remarkable season. The 23-year-old Brazilian helped Real Madrid secure a record 15th European Cup, and his incredible hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League underscored his talent.
"Vinícius had an incredible season where he was a key player... he proved he’s the best player in the world," said Madrid teammate Lucas Vázquez.
Though Vinícius seems poised to win, this new generation of players is unlikely to dominate the award as Messi and Ronaldo did. Instead, we may see a more diverse array of winners, reminiscent of the Ballon d'Or's earlier years when players like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Luis Figo each had their moment in the spotlight.
The New Contenders: Mbappé, Haaland, and More
As Messi and Ronaldo step back, players like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are ready to take center stage. Both in their mid-20s, they have already achieved incredible success. Mbappé, born in 1998, is often considered the heir apparent to Messi and Ronaldo. Haaland, known for his goal-scoring prowess at Manchester City, promises to be a formidable competitor.
These players, alongside stars like Jude Bellingham and Rodri, who finished as runners-up this year, could give fans the next chapter of Ballon d'Or rivalries. With the heightened attention the Ballon d'Or now commands, this year’s award could be just the beginning for this new generation.
How the Ballon d'Or is Decided
The Ballon d'Or was created in 1956 by France Football magazine and has evolved from a European-only award to a global one. The selection process involves journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings, each choosing their top 10 players in ranked order. Points are awarded based on ranking, and the player with the highest total wins.
The Ballon d'Or’s prestige has only grown in recent years. Clubs now include Ballon d'Or clauses in player contracts, underscoring its importance and the prestige associated with it. Players dream of winning this award, and for the new generation, it’s now within reach.
Can Mbappé vs. Haaland Be the Next Great Rivalry?
The Ballon d'Or has long been a measure of football greatness, and now fans are speculating about the next big rivalry. Could Mbappé vs. Haaland fill the void left by Messi and Ronaldo? The two strikers represent Europe’s finest teams, Real Madrid and Manchester City, and both are at the height of their careers.
While it’s too early to predict whether they will match Messi and Ronaldo’s record, the potential for a fierce competition between Mbappé and Haaland is there. For fans, this budding rivalry adds an exciting layer to the Ballon d'Or race, ensuring that the legacy of fierce competition lives on.
Conclusion: The Future of the Ballon d'Or
With Messi and Ronaldo’s era coming to an end, the Ballon d'Or is entering a transformative phase. Vinícius Júnior might claim this year's award, but the diversity of contenders suggests we may return to a time when multiple players share the glory.
This year’s Ballon d'Or marks the end of an era but opens the door for a new generation to make their mark. The legacy of Messi and Ronaldo will always be a high standard for any player, but as new stars rise, fans are in for a thrilling future of unforgettable Ballon d'Or moments.
