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, making many fans of the Portuguese star disappointed.

Contrary to his colleague who has competed on the world football stage for the past two decades, Lionel Messi is considered a strong candidate to win the Golden Ball this period.

Messi made his mark by winning the World Cup for the first time in his career with Argentina. Since moving to Inter Miami, he has continuously scored goals and created unprecedented effects in the American professional tournament.

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

Haaland had an extremely successful year at 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 2022/23 Champions League Best Player.

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 Ballon D’Or winner will be announced at the gala taking place on October 30.