Neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo are on the 30-player shortlist of Ballon d'Or contenders for the first time in more than 20 years. The superstars' hegemony comes to an end this year. Messi, who also earned the honor last year, has won it a record eight times. Ronaldo has won it five times in the interim.

Messi is now sidelined due to injury and plays for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer. He did win the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the Copa America last year, going back-to-back. Notable nominees this year include Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior.

Messi began a four-year run of winning the Ballon d'Or in 2009 after receiving his first nomination in 2006. Ronaldo, meanwhile, received a 2004 nomination.

Since 1956, the French magazine France Football has given the annual Ballon d'Or football award. The dates and regulations were altered by France Football in 2022, causing the accomplishments to be centered around a football season as opposed to a calendar year. Additionally, one journalist from each of the 100 nations in the FIFA Men's ranking is chosen to receive the prize.