Ballon d'Or 2024: Here are the biggest shortlist snubs
What's the story
The much-awaited Ballon d'Or 2024 nominees were unveiled on September 4, featuring a total of 60 players vying for the prestigious Golden Ball in both men's and women's categories.
Real Madrid's forward Vinicius Junior and Manchester City's midfielder Rodri are considered the top contenders for the men's award.
Jude Bellingham is also in contention due to his impressive performance for Madrid and England last season.
However, there are several top performers who have been ignored. Here we decode the same.
Messi
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo made it onto the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
Ronaldo's omission despite the forward being in solid form for Al-Nassr was understandable.
However, Messi - the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner - was snubbed as well, despite captaining Argentina to the Copa America title in the summer.
The Leagues Cup triumph with Inter Miami last August technically fell inside the voting period. However, this wasn't enough.
Morata
Alvaro Morata (AC Milan)
Alvaro Morata missed the cut despite leading Spain to glory in the 2024 edition of the European Championship.
Morata may have only scored once during the tournament in Germany, but his all-round play was laudable.
At club level, Morata managed 21 goals in all competitions but since Atletico Madrid had a poor 2023-24 season, it was likely Morata would have got the snub.
Morata joined Italian giants AC Milan in the summer transfer window from Atletico.
Alvarez
Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
Julian Alvarez was one of the biggest exclusions. During the Ballon d'Or 2024 window, Alvarez helped Argentina win the Copa America. He also won the Premier League trophy with Manchester City.
Alvarez tallied 19 goals and 13 assists for club and country combined during the window.
Alvarez, who had finished in the Ballon d'Or top 10 in 2023, moved to Atletico Madrid from Man City in the summer.
Rodrygo
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Rodrygo played a key role in helping Real Madrid win three pieces of silverware in the 2023-24 campaign which included the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
However, he was snubbed from the 30-man shortlist. He managed 19 goals and 8 assists for club and country in 2023-24.
Rodrygo couldn't help Brazil at the Copa America, but given the trophies he won with Real, it was a harsh call.