Fans on social media have been split over Cristiano Ronaldo's omission from the 2023 Ballon d'Or shortlist.
The Portuguese international has been a long-standing feature of the Ballon d'Or shortlist - with his annual inclusion amongst the nominees dating back to 2004.
However, after a tumultuous start to the 2022-23 campaign, he called an end to his time in European football, leaving Manchester United and securing a move to Saudi Arabia in December.
Despite scoring 26 goals in 33 appearances for Al-Nassr, the 38-year-old has been left off the 30-man shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d'Or award.
And, with it being the first time since he's been left off the list since 2003, it's fair to say that some fans were shocked by the news.
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 overwhelming idea that Ronaldo's time at the top may be coming to an end, there was some fans who voiced 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.
The likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi all featured on the list for the prestigious award - which was won by French striker Karim Benzema last year.
Inter Miami star Messi made his first return to the nominations following a surprise omission from the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 award.
However, this time round, Messi has been selected among the world's elite for the trophy and will be looking to fend off competition to clinch his eighth Ballon d'Or.
Many have speculated that Messi, after sealing a Ligue 1 title with PSG and a World Cup title with Argentina in December, will clinch the trophy for 2023.
itz_me_ojei
724
Lionel Messi is the clear favourite for the Ballon d’Or.
EdisonBaby
572
The rivalry is ended Messi won.
LeoM17
502
Have you notices? Fifa WC has shut Ronaldo sister's mouth
Peaceking1234
406
And The Ballon D'Or🏆 is up next💯😂😂
GateWaye
358
The GOAT 🐐 is the Winner 🥇 for Sure.
Mangisha
276
Messi or his fans always get one over Ronaldo or his fans. Everything Ronaldo trolled Messi over, Messi went on to win them all and silence Ronaldo. These days you won't hear Ronaldo or his family talk abt Messi. Bcos they have nothing to talk abt. Just last season, Ronaldo fans were so happy at Messi's omission from the 30 for Ballon d'or. They were so happy as if Ronaldo was a contender. Abt 12 months later, guess who is happy. Messi fans. They are genuinely happy bcos, unlike Ronaldo last season, Messi is a very, very serious contender. That's one for Messi fans. Now the crying for Ronaldo fans begin now. Wait and see, hear all the allegations against Messi. Some of Ronaldo's fans would do anything for Messi to lose, as if it would mean anything bcos Messi still has more individual awards than Ronaldo.
steppenwolfxcity
205
bitter but the truth
Fowbdeiklp
147
What will FIFA gain by discrediting Ronaldo and supporting Messi? Do you know that Messi is from South America while Ronaldo is from Europe? Do you know that Ballon d'or is given by France which is in Europe? Do you know that there is a tacit rivalry between Europe and South America in football? Do you know that if the organisers chose to be partial in the choices, they would have given it to their fellow European chap like CR7? Do you realise that in world football we talk of the trio to include PELE, MARADONA, & MESSI? Do you know that if it's possible the organisers could have promoted Ronaldo so that the tripodal mention could balance? At least the organisers are fair, and that's why Messi will still collect his 8th Ballon d'or this October. The difference between CR7 and Messi is, as far as the east is from the west, in favour of Messi. Even today, 7 and 5 are not the same. By October this year 8 and 5 won't be the same. Period.
JamesCallagher
15
Lionel Messi is the clear favourite for the Ballon d’Or.
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is this accurate stats? because with this stats Messi far ahead 🙄
Kezaluyz
8
Lionel Messi is the clear favourite for the Ballon d’Or.
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And the pain went straight to @joyng01 [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]