Lionel Messi is not among the nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, failing to make the cut for the second year in a row ― just like Cristiano Ronaldo. Instead, two Argentine teammates are in consideration for the prize.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister are the only Argentine representatives in the shortlist for the award given to the best male player of the season.
Meanwhile, fellow countryman and Argentina‘s star between the sticks Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez is also in contention for the Lev Yashin Trophy, given to the best goalkeeper of the year.
While Messi’s absence makes the most noise, he’s not the only Argentine leader to miss out on a Ballon d’Or nomination this year. Manager Lionel Scaloni was also snubbed for the Men’s Team Coach of the Year award.
Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru on November 19, 2024.
When will the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony be held?
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, September, 22, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France. During the event, fans will find out the winners in every category.
Without Messi: The full list of 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees with Martinez, Mac Allister
Without Messi and Ronaldo among the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees, 30 stars are in the running for the prize awarded to the best male player of the season―including Argentine stars Lautaro Martinez and Mac Allister.
- Florian Wirtz
- Virgil van Dijk
- Kylian Mbappe
- Serhou Guirassy
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Declan Rice
- Achraf Hakimi
- Michael Olise
- Robert Lewandowski
- Vitinha
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Lautaro Martinez
- Vinicius Jr.
- Ousmane Dembele
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Lamine Yamal
- Pedri
- Harry Kane
- Jude Bellingham
- Cole Palmer
- Nuno Mendes
- Mohamed Salah
- Desire Doue
- Viktor Gyokeres
- Joao Neves
- Raphinha
- Erling Haaland
- Scott McTominay
- Denzel Dumfries
- Fabian Ruiz
In 2022, the Ballon d’Or introduced a big change to its criteria, rewarding a player’s performance during the typical club season instead of taking into account the calendar year. Neither Messi nor Ronaldo’s performances in 2024-25 were deemed worthy of a nomination, even if we’re talking about two of the greatest players of all time.
