The Ballon d’Or contender list for 2023 has been revealed, and two of football’s biggest names find themselves absent from the final mix, a choice that has sparked plenty of debate.
France Football unveiled the nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or in a process that felt unusually drawn out and intricate. The announcement arrived on social media in a format that split the selections into six groups of five players, spread over a couple of hours. At the center of attention were the obvious favorites, Lionel Messi, who has claimed the trophy seven times, and Erling Haaland, the Manchester City forward whose season has drawn widespread acclaim.
Yet the list also highlighted notable omissions that drew quick scrutiny. Cristiano Ronaldo, a figure whose long-standing achievements usually guarantee a spotlight, was conspicuously absent from the announced candidates. Critics and fans alike used the moment to question whether Ronaldo had produced enough over the season to justify a place among the finalists. Although many observers feel his recent form did not align with Ballon d’Or criteria, the discussion underscored how the award’s standards can be interpreted differently by analysts and fans alike.
In addition to the Ronaldo debate, several other high-profile players were left out or received less emphasis than expected. One surprising exclusion that drew commentary was John Stones, a player who guided his team through a treble-winning campaign yet did not feature prominently in the final nomination lineup. The surprise prompted conversations about the evolving criteria, the impact of injuries, and the role of team achievements in shaping individual recognition.
Across the commentary, the process raised broader questions about how the Ballon d’Or values individual brilliance against team success, consistency across a season, and the contribution to a club’s most dramatic moments. While Messi and Haaland were naturally cited as leading candidates thanks to their standout performances and tangible trophies, the absence of several other elite performers demonstrated the delicate balance the prize seeks between narrative resonance and statistical achievement.
As analysis continues, supporters will weigh performances across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and the lingering influence of leadership on and off the pitch. The award remains a signal of peak form, but it also embodies the debate over what kind of excellence deserves to be celebrated on a given year. For now, critics and fans alike will debate the relative strengths of the nominees and the lasting impression each player left on the 2022–23 season, while the broader question of how the Ballon d’Or is awarded continues to spark conversation across football communities.
[GOAL]