One of the most awaited award functions in football – Ballon d’Or 2024 is just a few hours away. Many eyes are on a potential race for the honour that includes multiple star players including strong contenders like Rodri, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham. All the stars have performed well in the calendar year and have a strong claim at the Ballon d’Or 2024 award, but a lot depends on the votes. As per tradition, former winners get a vote for the awards, but as per claims by Ballon d’Or chief Vincent Garcia, a five-time Ballon d’Or Cristiano Ronaldo might not attend the event and has opted against voting also. Move Over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo! New Generation of Football Stars Are Lining Up To Win Ballon d’Or 2024.

Garcia has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo is among those “very upset” with award rulings. Interestingly, last year also Ronaldo didn’t vote and even liked a post targeted at Messi’s ‘unfair’ eighth Ballon d’Or title. Here is what the editor of France Football and the chief of Ballon d’Or said about Ronaldo’s stance.

What Vincent Garcia said about Cristiano Ronaldo’s Stance on Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are not among the shortlisted players for the Ballon d’Or award. This is the first time that neither Messi nor Ronaldo is on the list in the last 21 years. Talking to the Times, Garcia said, "Winners have the right to come back to all future ceremonies but they don’t all come, some are very upset with us. I don’t know for certain Cristiano is, I don’t talk to him directly, but I know for example that former winners vote for the Kopa Trophy – for the best young player – and Cristiano didn’t vote last year and he didn’t vote this year either." Ballon d’Or 2024 Ceremony Live Streaming Online & Time in India: How To Watch Ballon d’Or Award Ceremony on TV in IST?

Reflecting on their absence from the list, Garcia added, “If they were on the shortlist this year, I’m sure they would have got some votes." Both Messi and Ronaldo might not be on the Ballon d’Or 2024 shortlist but leading their teams in the MLS and Saudi Pro League respectively.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2024 12:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).