Ronaldo went through the tumultuous 2022/23 season, ending his time playing football in Europe, leaving MU and moving to Saudi Arabia.

Despite scoring 26 goals in 33 appearances for Al-Nassr, CR7 was still left out of the shortlist of 30 players nominated for the 2023 Golden Ball.

This is also the first time since 2003 that Cristiano Ronaldo was not named in the Ballon D’Or award, disappointing many fans of the Portuguese star.

In contrast to his colleague who has competed on the world football stage for the past two decades, Lionel Messi is considered a strong candidate for the Golden Ball title this term.

Messi made his mark when he won the World Cup for the first time in his career with Argentina. Since moving to Inter Miami, he has continuously scored goals and created an unprecedented effect in the American professional league.

In addition, talented young stars such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe or Jude Bellingham are all on the 2023 Ballon D’Or nomination shortlist.

Haaland had an extremely successful year at the club level with Man “Green” with a historic treble. The Norwegian striker also won the title of Premier League top scorer as well as the Best Player of the Champions League 2022/23.

In addition to Haaland, there are 6 other members of Man City on the shortlist including Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Ruben Dias, Julian Alvarez, Josko Gvardiol and Bernardo Silva.

Prestigious annual award organized by France Football magazine. The name of the 2023 Golden Ball winner will be announced at the gala taking place on October 30.