A New Era in Soccer: The Ballon d’Or Without Messi and Ronaldo
As the soccer world gears up for the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, there’s an unmistakable sense of transition in the air. For the first time in over a decade, the event will unfold without the presence of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, two titans of the sport whose rivalry has defined an era. This absence marks not just a shift in the award’s landscape but also a poignant moment in soccer history, as fans and analysts alike ponder what comes next.
The End of an Era
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over a span of 16 years, they collectively claimed the Ballon d’Or 13 times, setting a standard of excellence that few could hope to match. Their dominance has been characterized by breathtaking performances, record-breaking statistics, and a fierce competition that captivated fans worldwide. Jonathan Wilson, a noted soccer author, reflects on this unique rivalry, suggesting that it may not be easily replicated. “There’s never been a rivalry like that before,” he notes, hinting at the rarity of such sustained excellence in the sport.
The New Favorites
With Messi and Ronaldo absent from this year’s nominations, the spotlight shifts to a new generation of players. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior emerges as the frontrunner for the award, poised to become the first winner born in the 21st century. His recent hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League has solidified his status as a leading candidate. Teammate Lucas Vazquez praised Vinicius, stating, “He proved he’s the best player in the world.”
However, the potential for a new era of dominance may not be as straightforward as it seems. The Ballon d’Or could revert to a time when multiple players shared the spotlight, reminiscent of the pre-Messi and Ronaldo days. Icons like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho won the award only once, highlighting the rarity of sustained individual accolades in soccer history.
The Legacy of Messi and Ronaldo
Messi’s recent achievement of an eighth Ballon d’Or last year, following Argentina’s World Cup victory, underscores his unparalleled legacy. Wilson emphasizes Messi’s extraordinary talent, stating, “In terms of greatness over a protracted period, Messi is the greatest there has ever been by quite some margin.” The sheer impact of Messi and Ronaldo on the game has left a void that may take years to fill.
Interestingly, Vinicius Junior’s potential win would mark a significant milestone: he would be the first Ballon d’Or recipient born this century, while no player born in the 1990s has yet claimed the award. This generational shift speaks volumes about the changing landscape of soccer, as younger stars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham begin to emerge as contenders.
The Contenders
As the Ballon d’Or approaches, the competition is heating up. Manchester City midfielder Rodri is another strong candidate, potentially becoming the first player born in the 1990s to win the award. Meanwhile, Mbappe, born in 1998, is often viewed as the heir apparent to the Messi-Ronaldo legacy. The possibility of a winner from the ’90s generation looms large, especially as the soccer world anticipates the next great rivalry.
The last decade has seen only a handful of players break the Messi-Ronaldo stranglehold on the award, with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema being notable exceptions. The cancellation of the award in 2020, when Robert Lewandowski was widely regarded as the best player, further emphasizes the dominance of the two legends.
The Voting Process
The Ballon d’Or, established by France Football magazine in 1956, is determined through a voting process involving journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. Each journalist ranks their top ten players, with points awarded based on their positions. This system has contributed to the award’s prestige, particularly in an age where social media amplifies its significance. Players now express their dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or with the same fervor as they do for the Champions League or World Cup.
The Future Rivalries
As Vinicius Junior appears to be in pole position this year, the potential for new rivalries is palpable. The Mbappe vs. Haaland debate is already gaining traction, with both players representing the top clubs in Europe—Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively. Matt Oldfield, a soccer author, notes the importance of rivalries in the sport, suggesting that the Mbappe-Haaland dynamic could become the next focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Oldfield’s children’s book series, “The Football GOAT,” reflects this shift in focus. While the first book centered on Messi and Ronaldo, the next installment will explore the burgeoning rivalry between Mbappe and Haaland, signaling a cultural transition in how fans perceive greatness in soccer.
A Transitioning Landscape
The upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony is not just a celebration of individual talent; it symbolizes a broader transition in the world of soccer. As Messi and Ronaldo step back, the stage is set for a new generation of players to rise and redefine what it means to be the best. The excitement surrounding this year’s award is not merely about who will win, but also about the potential for fresh rivalries and narratives that will shape the future of the sport.