Fans were disappointed when neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi finished in the top three for the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2022.
Messi was not nominated for the trophy this year, while Ronaldo came in 20th place.
This was Ronaldo’s lowest-ranking result since 2005, and Messi failed to make the shortlist for the first time since 2005. The Argentine was the recipient of the award in 2021. During his successful career, he has received the award a record seven times.
Since 2008, Messi and Ronaldo have won the award a total of 12 times. Ronaldo has also won the accolade five times in his career.
Luka Modric, who received the trophy in 2018, is the only individual other than the legendary partnership to have won it since 2008. However, fans will be treated to a new champion this year as well.
Many others turned to Twitter to say that the rankings signalled the end of an era. For more than a decade, Messi and Ronaldo have ruled world football.
However, both athletes are presently in their late 30s. The Portuguese is 37 years old, whereas the Argentine is 35.
Here are some of the finest Twitter reactions to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s 2022 Ballon d’Or rankings:
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