Messi omitted as Real Madrid, Spain stars headline Ballon d’Or nominees

If there were any lingering doubts, a changing of the guard is truly taking place in men’s soccer.

Lionel Messi, the Ballon d’Or holder and record eight-time recipient of the sport’s most prestigious individual award, was not among the 30 nominees announced Wednesday for the 2024 honor. With Cristiano Ronaldo also omitted – as he was last year – this marks the first time since 2003 that neither global megastar has been in contention for the coveted trophy.

Instead, the men’s list of finalists is unsurprisingly dominated by Real Madrid players, including the likes of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and new signing Kylian Mbappe. Spain and England are also well-represented after reaching the Euro 2024 final – which Spain won – with midfield maestro Rodri a strong contender for the award.

The winner will be announced during a ceremony on Oct. 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or nominees

2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees

Aitana Bonmati, last year’s winner, headlines the list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, which was first handed out in 2018. The Spanish superstar will face tough competition from a handful of Americans after the United States captured the biggest prize in women’s soccer this year by winning gold at the Paris Olympics. Standout forwards Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith are all in the running.

Kopa Trophy nominees

Awarded to the game’s best player under 21 years of age, the Kopa Trophy could once again go to a Spanish-based youngster after Bellingham, Gavi, and Pedri took home the last three editions. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal is the front-runner after backing up his breakout season at club level by playing a critical role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Victory for the 17-year-old would signal the third time a Barcelona player has taken home the honor since this piece of hardware was introduced in 2018.

Yachine Trophy nominees

Named after the iconic Lev Yashin – the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or when he accomplished the feat in 1963 – the Yachine Trophy goes to the game’s top shot-stopper. Current holder Emiliano Martinez will be a strong contender once again after backstopping Argentina to victory at the Copa America this summer.

Best coach

Nominees were also announced Wednesday for the top coaches in the game. A collection of decorated tacticians highlight the list on both the men’s and women’s sides. It will be interesting to see how the voters weigh club accomplishments compared to success at the international level after a year in which the latter was so prominent.

Men’s team coach of the year

Women’s team coach of the year