It was a shocking moment for football fans worldwide when the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist was announced and Cristiano Ronaldo’s name was nowhere to be found.
For the first time since 2003, the iconic Portuguese forward missed out on being a part of the prestigious shortlist.
There are several reasons that contributed to Ronaldo’s absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist this year.
Firstly, his age could be a factor. At 38 years old, Ronaldo is no longer the young and agile player he once was. Although he continues to defy expectations with his performances, there is no denying that age catches up with everyone.
Another possible reason for Ronaldo’s exclusion is his transfer to a new club. After leaving Manchester United, Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr FC in the summer transfer window. This move meant that he had a relatively shorter time to showcase his skills and make an impact in order to impress the voters.
The competition this year was also incredibly tough. The Ballon d’Or shortlist included several exceptional players who had outstanding performances throughout the year. Players like Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Karim Benzema were all deserving candidates for the award.
Despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, Ronaldo continues to be a football legend.
His past achievements, including winning the Ballon d’Or five times, speak for themselves.
Ronaldo’s absence from this year’s shortlist may mark the end of an era, but his legacy in the football world will forever remain.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
