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Fans on social media have been split over Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The Portuguese international has been a long-standing feature of the Ballon d’Or shortlist – with his annual inclusion amongst the nominees dating back to 2004.
However, after a tumultuous start to the 2022-23 campaign, he called an end to his time in European football, leaving Manchester United and securing a move to Saudi Arabia in December.
And, with it being the first time since he’s been left off the list since 2003, it’s fair to say that some fans were shocked by the news.
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time since 2003
The likes of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi (left) and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe (right) made the shortlist
On Twitter, one user wrote: ‘Ronaldo fans were laughing at Messi for not being included in the Ballon d’Or list last season. Guess who is winning the award and who wasn’t included’.
‘Ronaldo not been included in the ballon d’Or list is not a suprise [sic]…all we want this time is the award to go to the rightful winner. ..is that too much to ask for,’ said another.
One fan said: ‘Brutal way to end the ‘rivalry” in reference to Ronaldo’s ongoing battle for supremacy with Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
In a blunt comment, one social media user claimed: ‘He’s finished’.
However, despite the overwhelming idea that Ronaldo’s time at the top may be coming to an end, there was some fans who voiced support for the veteran.
‘I swear the Ballon d’Or is against Ronaldo this year,’ one user boldly claimed.
Another said: ‘It doesn’t matter he has won it all he is the Goat so there nothing else to prove’.
‘This is a joke we all know Ronaldo is better’, said one frustrated fan.
Fans remained divided over Ronaldo’s omission from the 30-man shortlist for 2023 award
The 38-year-old has five Ballon d’Or titles to his name – the second most recorded in history
The likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi all featured on the list for the prestigious award – which was won by French striker Karim Benzema last year.
Inter Miami star Messi made his first return to the nominations following a surprise omission from the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 award.
However, this time round, Messi has been selected among the world’s elite for the trophy and will be looking to fend off competition to clinch his eighth Ballon d’Or.
Many have speculated that Messi, after sealing a Ligue 1 title with PSG and a World Cup title with Argentina in December, will clinch the trophy for 2023.
