Ballon d’Or 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo opts out of voting for the second year in a row
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for Monday, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of this year’s winner.
Top contenders include Rodri, along with Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, who have all delivered standout performances.
However, one prominent name is missing from both the nominee list and the voting process: Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly declined to participate in voting this year.
Vincent Garcia, the Ballon d’Or Chief, shared that Ronaldo, who could vote as a former winner, is “very upset” with recent award choices. Garcia noted that while he can’t speak directly to Ronaldo’s reasons, the football star has chosen not to vote again, just like last year.
Ronaldo had previously voiced his disapproval of Lionel Messi’s record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or, calling it “unfair.”
For the first time in 21 years, this year’s ceremony won’t feature either Ronaldo or Messi as nominees. Garcia commented, saying, “If they were on the shortlist, they would have undoubtedly received votes.”
Though not in the running this year, Messi and Ronaldo remain fan favorites, with Messi excelling in Major League Soccer and Ronaldo leading in the Saudi Pro League.
