The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist has divided fans on social media.

Since his annual appearance among the nominees began in 2004, the Portuguese international has been a fixture of the Ballon d’Or shortlist.

He called an end to his time playing in Europe, leaving Manchester United and securing a move to Saudi Arabia in December after the 2022–23 season got off to a turbulent start.

The 38-year-old has been left off the 30-man shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award despite having 26 goals in 33 games for Al-Nassr.

It’s also fair to say that some of his supporters were stunned by the announcement because it was the first time since 2003 that he had been omitted off the list.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time since 2003

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The likes of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi (left) and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe (right) made the shortlist

On Twitter, one user wrote: ‘Ronaldo fans were laughing at Messi for not being included in the Ballon d’Or list last season. Guess who is winning the award and who wasn’t included’.

‘Ronaldo not been included in the ballon d’Or list is not a suprise [sic]…all we want this time is the award to go to the rightful winner. ..is that too much to ask for,’ said another.

One fan said: ‘Brutal way to end the ‘rivalry” in reference to Ronaldo’s ongoing battle for supremacy with Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

In a blunt comment, one social media user claimed: ‘He’s finished’.

However, despite the overwhelming idea that Ronaldo’s time at the top may be coming to an end, there was some fans who voiced support for the veteran.

‘I swear the Ballon d’Or is against Ronaldo this year,’ one user boldly claimed.

Another said: ‘It doesn’t matter he has won it all he is the Goat so there nothing else to prove’.

‘This is a joke we all know Ronaldo is better’, said one frustrated fan.

Fans remained divided over Ronaldo’s omission from the 30-man shortlist for 2023 award

The 38-year-old is the second-most Ballon d’Or winner in history with five victories to his credit.

Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi were all included on the list for the coveted prize, which was won by Karim Benzema of France last year.

After being unexpectedly left off of the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 award, Messi, a star for Inter Miami, made his first comeback to the nominations.

But this time, Messi has been chosen to compete for the award among the best in the world, and he will be trying to stave off the opposition to win his eighth Ballon d’Or.

Many have predicted that Messi will win the trophy in 2023 after winning the World Cup with Argentina in December and the Ligue 1 championship with PSG.