The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist caused disagreements among fans on social media.
Since his annual appearance among the nominees began in 2004, the Portuguese international has been a fixture of the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The 38-year-old has been left off the 30-man shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award for the first time since 2003, despite having 26 goals in 33 games for Al-Nassr.
On Twitter, one user wrote: ‘Ronaldo fans were laughing at Messi for not being included in the Ballon d’Or list last season. Guess who is winning the award and who wasn’t included’.
‘Ronaldo not been included in the ballon d’Or list is not a suprise [sic]…all we want this time is the award to go to the rightful winner. ..is that too much to ask for,’ said another.
One fan said: ‘Brutal way to end the ‘rivalry” in reference to Ronaldo’s ongoing battle for supremacy with Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
In a blunt comment, one social media user claimed: ‘He’s finished’.
However, despite the widespread belief that Ronaldo’s reign as the best player may be coming to an end, some supporters expressed support for the veteran.
‘I swear the Ballon d’Or is against Ronaldo this year,’ one user boldly claimed.
Another said: ‘It doesn’t matter he has won it all he is the Goat so there nothing else to prove’.
‘This is a joke we all know Ronaldo is better’, said one frustrated fan.
