In a surprising turn of events, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist, marking one of the rare occasions in his illustrious career that his name is absent from the prestigious award’s contenders.
The announcement, made earlier today by France Football, listed the top nominees for world football’s most coveted individual honor — but Ronaldo’s omission has sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts worldwide.
At 40, the Portuguese superstar has continued to showcase his talent on the pitch, delivering impressive performances for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. However, critics argue that his achievements over the past year were not enough to rival the stellar seasons enjoyed by other nominees.
For over a decade, Ronaldo has been synonymous with the Ballon d’Or race, winning the award five times and consistently being a finalist. His absence in 2025 not only signals a possible shift in football’s hierarchy but also highlights the emergence of a new generation of stars dominating the global stage.
While Ronaldo has yet to publicly comment on the omission, his loyal supporters remain confident that the veteran forward will continue to defy expectations and prove that age is just a number.
It remains to be seen whether this marks the end of an era or simply a brief pause in one of football’s greatest careers.