This year’s Ballon d'Or nominations have brought a notable change, for the first time since 2003. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are absent from the list. For fans like me, who have followed the beautiful game from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the grand stadiums of Europe via television, this is not just a statistical anomaly, it’s the end of an era that reshaped football’s very landscape.
As I reflect on the significance of this moment, it's hard not to feel a spasm of nostalgia mixed with awe. Ronaldo and Messi have not merely been footballers, they have been icons, transcending the sport and touching the lives of millions across the globe. For over two decades, their rivalry and brilliance have defined our footballing reality, providing countless moments of magic that will be cherished by fans for generations to come.
For me, and many football enthusiasts from Nepal, their influence extended far beyond the pitch. Their astonishing feats, Ronaldo’s relentless drive and Messi’s mesmerizing dribbles, were the fuel that stoked our passion for football. Their presence in Ballon d'Or nominations became a given, a reassuring constant in a world full of uncertainties.
Each year, their names on the list were not just about accolades, they were a celebration of excellence, a testament to what can be achieved with extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. However, as the 2024 nominations unfold without their names, we must confront the reality of change. Th.