Lionel Messi leads the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist along with a host of Premier League stars… but there’s no space for Cristiano Ronaldo on the list

The nominations for this year’s Ballon d’Or have been announced and a number of Premier League stars have been shortlisted.

The likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi were all 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 after a surprise omission from the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 award.

This time, however, Messi has been selected from the world’s elite for the trophy and will try to fend off the competition to take his eighth Ballon d’Or.

The full shortlist consisted of: Josko Gvardiol, Andre Onana, Jamal Musiala, Karim Benzema, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Kevin de Bruyne, Jude Bellingham, Randal Kolo Muani, Bernardo Silva, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Emiliano Martinez, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Nicolo Barella, Martin Odegaard, Ilkay Gundogan, Yassine Bounou, Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Jr, Rodri, Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Robert Lewandowski, Kim Min-Jae, Luka Modric, Kylian Mbappé, Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane.

People like Erling Haaland (L) and Kylian Mbappé (R) filled the remaining candidate places

Many have speculated that after securing a Ligue 1 title with PSG and a World Cup title with Argentina in December, Messi will lift the 2023 trophy.

However, he will do well to beat Manchester City talisman Haaland to the title after the Norwegian striker enjoyed a sparkling debut season in England.

Haaland was joined by six of his City teammates on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, with Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Ruben Dias, Julian Alvarez, Josko Gvardiol and Bernardo Silva also rewarded for their efforts.

Only three England internationals – Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham – made the shortlist after impressive performances in 2023.

It was striking that there was no room for five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who was just short of the shortlist for the first time since 2005.

The Portuguese star ended his time in European football in December and has spent the entire calendar year with Saudi side Al-Nassr.

Elsewhere, the nominees for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, Yachine Trophy (the best goalkeeper) and Kopa Trophy (best U21 player) were also announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo was removed from the Ballon d’Or list for the first time since 2005

Bukayo Saka (L) and Harry Kane (R) were two of three England players nominated

The likes of Jude Bellingham, Rasmus Hojlund and Jamal Musiala completed the Kopa Trophy shortlist, as did last year’s winner Gavi.

Bellingham was the only England player shortlisted, following his stellar season at Borussia Dortmund and his recent move to Real Madrid.

Premier League stars Ederson, Emiliano Martinez, Aaron Ramsdale and Andre Onana were shortlisted for the Yachine Trophy.

While Guro Reiten, Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Katie McCabe all made it to the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist.