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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Pic:X
Xtra Time Web Desk:For the first time in over two decades, the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominations were revealed without Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo on the list. This marks the end of an era for the two football legends who have dominated the award since 2008. Among the notable nominees is England's Jude Bellingham, whose rise to prominence continues.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, missed out on last year’s nominations as well. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, the record holder with eight Ballon d'Or titles and 16 nominations, was left off despite leading Argentina to Copa America success. The news has triggered mixed reactions from fans worldwide, with some expressing excitement for the new wave of talent, while others are disappointed by the absence of their favorite stars.
Watch Here: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">- 6 Champions League title Winner <br>- 5 UEFA Super cup winner <br>- 2 Spanish cup winner<br>- 1 UEFA Best Player in Europe<br>- Ballon d&#39;Or Winner 2018<br><br>- FIFA World Cup runner-up (2018)<br>- FIFA World Cup third place (2022)<br>Happy Birthday, Luka Modrić. One of the best Croatian footballers… <a href="https://t.co/9e7JpmCRkk">pic.twitter.com/9e7JpmCRkk</a></p>&mdash; Ahmadraza (@ahmadrazaasif10) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmadrazaasif10/status/1833058975085973865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Messi and Ronaldo's grip on the Ballon d'Or has only been broken a few times in the past two decades. Here are three notable instances:

2022: Karim Benzema Triumphs  
Karim Benzema won the Ballon d'Or in 2022 after a spectacular season with Real Madrid. The French striker scored 44 goals in 46 appearances, leading his club to La Liga and Champions League titles. Benzema's stunning performances in key matches earned him the award, making him the first player since 2008, apart from Messi, Ronaldo, and Luka Modric, to win the prestigious prize.

2018: Luka Modric's Breakthrough
Luka Modric ended the Messi-Ronaldo era in 2018 by winning the Ballon d'Or. The Croatian midfielder led his national team to a historic World Cup final and won the Champions League with Real Madrid.

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2020: No Award Due to COVID-19
The Ballon d'Or was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time since 1956 that the award was not given.