Cristiano Ronaldo remains ahead of Lionel Messi for Ballon d’Or nominations, with 18 to Messi’s 17 after the Argentine’s return to the 2026 shortlist. Ronaldo has won the award five times, while Messi holds the record with eight victories. Messi has also become the oldest 21st-century nominee at 39, surpassing Ronaldo’s previous mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains ahead of Lionel Messi for Ballon d’Or nominations, with 18 to Messi’s 17 after the Argentine’s return to the 2026 shortlist. Ronaldo has won the award five times, while Messi holds the record with eight victories. Messi has also become the oldest 21st-century nominee at 39, surpassing Ronaldo’s previous mark.
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