Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Get FIFPro Love After Ballon d’Or Disaster: The Plot Twist Nobody Saw Coming
Well, well, well. Just when you thought the beautiful game had completely moved on from its aging superstars, here comes FIFPro with a reality check that’s got everyone scratching their heads. While the Ballon d’Or committee apparently decided that Ronaldo and Messi were about as relevant as flip phones in 2024, their fellow professionals seem to have a very different opinion.
The Portuguese legend and his Argentine counterpart have both been nominated for the 2025 FIFPro Men’s World XI, proving that sometimes the people who actually kick the ball for a living have better judgment than the fancy voters in Paris. It’s almost poetic, really – getting snubbed by one prestigious award only to be embraced by another within weeks.
The Sweet Irony of Professional Recognition
Let’s be brutally honest here: watching Ronaldo and Messi get completely ignored by the Ballon d’Or for two consecutive years felt like watching your favorite childhood TV show get cancelled for a reality series about influencers. Sure, they’re not tearing up European pitches anymore, but dismissing their impact entirely? That’s like saying The Beatles weren’t relevant after they stopped touring.
The FIFPro nomination list reads like a who’s who of current football royalty, with Paris Saint-Germain absolutely dominating the selections. Seven PSG players made the cut, which shouldn’t surprise anyone considering they won the Champions League and basically bought half of Europe’s best talent. But buried in that list of European superstars are two names that stick out like sore thumbs – in the best possible way.
Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and Messi at Inter Miami represent something the soccer world seems reluctant to admit: greatness doesn’t expire just because you change zip codes. The 40-year-old Portuguese machine continues to defy Father Time with Al-Nassr, while Messi has been putting MLS defenses through absolute torture at Inter Miami.
What the Numbers Actually Say About Ronaldo’s Relevance
Here’s where things get interesting, and frankly, a bit embarrassing for the Ballon d’Or voters. Ronaldo didn’t just show up to collect paychecks in Saudi Arabia – he’s been performing like a man possessed. His goal-scoring record with Al-Nassr has been nothing short of phenomenal, and let’s not forget his crucial role in Portugal’s Nations League triumph, including scoring in the final against Spain.
Meanwhile, Messi has been absolutely terrorizing MLS defenders while helping Argentina cruise through World Cup qualifying. At 38, he’s still making professional defenders look like they’re playing their first game of FIFA on amateur difficulty.
The fact that over 26,000 professional footballers from 68 countries voted these two legends into contention speaks volumes about their continued relevance. These aren’t journalists or former players making nostalgic choices – these are active professionals who face world-class talent every week and still recognize greatness when they see it.
The Vinicius Jr. Snub That Nobody’s Talking About
Perhaps the most telling aspect of this FIFPro list isn’t who made it, but who didn’t. Vinicius Jr., who many expected to dominate individual awards after his impressive season, was completely left off the shortlist. The Brazilian winger’s form has apparently nosedived since being overlooked for the 2024 Ballon d’Or that went to Manchester City’s Rodri.
It’s almost like watching a soap opera unfold – the young star who was supposed to inherit the throne from Messi and Ronaldo suddenly finds himself on the outside looking in, while the old guard refuses to go quietly into that good night.
Why This FIFPro Recognition Matters More Than You Think
The beauty of the FIFPro World XI lies in its democratic nature. When your peers – the people who actually have to mark you, tackle you, and try to stop your shots – vote you among the world’s best, that carries a weight that no amount of media hype can replicate.
Ronaldo and Messi earning these nominations while playing outside Europe’s top five leagues sends a powerful message about the global nature of football excellence. It suggests that quality isn’t confined to specific postcodes or television markets, despite what some award ceremonies might have you believe.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect either. Just as the football world was ready to write off these legends as has-beens collecting paychecks in “retirement leagues,” their professional colleagues remind everyone that class is permanent, regardless of the stage.
The Real Story Behind the Statistics
Looking at the full FIFPro shortlist, it’s clear that this isn’t some sentimental journey down memory lane. The list is packed with genuine world-class talent: Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, and Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal all feature alongside the veteran duo.
What makes Ronaldo and Messi’s inclusion even more impressive is that they’re the only two nominees not currently playing in Europe. Think about that for a moment – out of 26 players representing the absolute pinnacle of world football, only two have chosen paths outside the traditional powerhouse leagues, yet they’re still considered indispensable by their peers.
The voting period covers performances from July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025, meaning this isn’t based on past glories or reputation alone. These nominations reflect recent performances, current form, and ongoing impact on the game.
What This Means for Football’s Future
The FIFPro recognition of Ronaldo and Messi while they play outside Europe’s elite competitions could signal a shift in how we evaluate football excellence. Perhaps the game’s center of gravity isn’t as fixed as we once believed. Maybe, just maybe, great players can elevate any league they join, regardless of its perceived prestige.
The final FIFPro World XI will be announced on November 3, and regardless of whether either legend makes the final cut, their nominations alone serve as a masterclass in longevity and sustained excellence. In a sport increasingly obsessed with the next big thing, Ronaldo and Messi continue proving that sometimes, the current big things are still the best things.
So while the Ballon d’Or voters were busy looking for football’s future, professional players reminded everyone that the present still belongs to two names we’ve been hearing for nearly two decades. And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of beautiful stubbornness that makes football the greatest sport on earth.
