Many fans on social media have expressed disappointment after the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the 2023 Ballon d'Or shortlist. The Portuguese international is a long-standing feature of the Ballon d'Or roster, with his annual inclusion among those nominated since 2004.However, after a tumultuous start to the 2022-23 season, he ended his time in European football, leaving Manchester United and securing a move to Saudi Arabia in December. Despite scoring 26 goals in 33 appearances for Al-Nassr, the 38-year-old is not on the 30-man shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d'Or.

And with it for the first time since he was left off the list since 2003, it is fair to say that some fans were shocked by the news. A Twitter user wrote: "Ronaldo fans mocked Messi, who was not included in the Ballon d'Or list last season.And with it for the first time since he was left off the list since 2003, it is fair to say that some fans were shocked by the news. A Twitter user wrote: "Ronaldo fans mocked Messi, who was not included in the Ballon d'Or list last season.

"A brutal way to end 'rivals' in reference to Ronaldo's ongoing struggle for top power with Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi," said one fan. In a direct comment, one social media user claimed: 'He'd done'."A brutal way to end 'rivals' in reference to Ronaldo's ongoing struggle for top power with Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi," said one fan. In a direct comment, one social media user claimed: 'He'd done'.