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Why Was Cristiano Ronaldo Not Nominated for Ballon d’Or 2026
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- Why Was Cristiano Ronaldo Not Nominated for Ballon d’Or 2026
One of the biggest absences from the 2026 Ballon d'Or nominations is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has won the prestigious award five times and remains one of the most iconic players in its history.
While Lionel Messi has been nominated and even secured a place in the top 10 of this year's Ballon d'Or rankings, Ronaldo has failed to make the 30-player shortlist.
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Why Is Cristiano Ronaldo Not in the Ballon d'Or 2026 Nominations?
One of the main factors behind his omission is his move away from European soccer. Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, which is generally viewed as less competitive than Europe's top leagues. As a result, his performances in Saudi Arabia may carry less weight with Ballon d'Or voters than comparable displays in Europe's biggest competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr reacts during the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Diriyah at Al Awwal Park. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
His performances with Portugal on the international stage are another factor to consider. The national team's results and Ronaldo's individual contributions during major tournaments can influence how voters assess his overall season.
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Ronaldo's absence also extends a lengthy run without a nomination. Since joining Al-Nassr, he has missed out on the Ballon d'Or shortlist in consecutive years, despite continuing to score regularly at the domestic level.
His omission also became controversial because other Saudi Pro League players, like the 41-year-old's teammate Sadio Mané and Al-Qadsiah's Julián Quiñones, received nominations.
Critics have pointed out that voters valued Quiñones's role in Mexico's historic run on home soil and Mané's Africa Cup of Nations achievements, leaving Ronaldo's domestic title and 30-goal season overlooked.
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Another reason that could have contributed to his omission was the fact that while Al-Nassr secured the domestic league title, they missed out on continental trophies.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
