The Future of Football: An Era Without Ronaldo and Messi

It all started in the year 2007, when Cristiano Ronaldo secured the second position, while Lionel Messi, demonstrating his prowess, gracefully settled for the third spot in the Ballon d’Or rankings. The deserving winner of the much-coveted award was none other than Kaka, whose exceptional skills and exemplary performance on the field of play distinguished him as the pinnacle of football excellence during that era. This historic occasion stands as a notable milestone in football history, as it marks the concluding chapter wherein the prestigious trophy was held aloft by a player, not of Portuguese or Argentine descent. Thanks to Luka Modric and Karim Benzema who broke the pattern and further diversified the roster of recipients beyond the realms of Portugal and Argentina.

In this current era of football, we’ve gone far beyond the days of Delima Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Kaka, and Ronaldinho, where the conversations about the best in the universe spanned across a long list of exceptional players, to an era where we witnessed the list narrowed down to just two. The brilliance and quality of the games we witnessed with Ronaldo and Messi were not the same as we saw Zidane or David Beckham play. The duo has significantly raised the bar, propelling the game into an era of pure and utmost joy through their rivalry, longevity and alluring magical moments.

With the advent of the Ronaldo and Messi era, there has been the redefinition of “Great” and “Greatest”, "legend" and "something bigger". They have left indelible marks on the footballing landscape through their unparalleled brilliance. With staggering goal-scoring records, Ronaldo has netted over 800 career goals, while Messi boasts of an astonishing tally of more than 700 career goals. Their trophy cabinets overflow with accolades, including multiple Ballon d’Or awards – Ronaldo with five and Messi with eight, a testament to their consistent excellence. Their rivalry has produced countless memorable moments, from hat-tricks in El-Clasico showdown to Champions League heroics. Ronaldo’s five Champions League titles and Messi’s four further affirm their status as the two of the greatest players to have graced the game. Moreover, they have both shattered numerous records, from the most goals scored in a calendar year to the most goals in a single Champions League campaign, rewriting football history with each breathtaking display of skills and determination. 

As these football icons near the twilight of their illustrious careers, the sport is poised for a seismic shift. The departure of Ronaldo and Messi will undoubtedly leave a void in the footballing world. For years, they have been the epitome of excellence, dazzling fans with their extraordinary skills and rewriting record books with each match. Their absence in the lovely game of football will be deeply felt by football enthusiasts worldwide who have marveled at their brilliance for almost two decades.

The departure of Ronaldo and Messi from the footballing scene heralds a transformative period ripened with opportunities for the next generation of players to ascend to greatness. As these iconic figures bid farewell to the turf, young footballers now have the chance to step out of the shadows into the spotlight, showcasing their unique skills and abilities on the grandest stages of the sport. With the absence of the GOATs, the footballing landscape becomes a canvas upon which new narratives can unfold, captivating audiences with the promise of thrilling performances and unexpected triumphs. This transition not only marks the end of an era but also ignites a sense of anticipation as fans worldwide eagerly await the emergence of the next footballing phenom.

In conclusion, the future of football without Ronaldo and Messi is uncertain yet promising. Their departure will undoubtedly reshape the scope of the sport, opening doors for new talents, evolving play styles, and transforming the overall dynamics of football. While their absence might be felt initially, it presents an opportunity for the sport to reinvent itself and embark on a new chapter filled with excitement, unpredictability, and endless possibilities. As fans, we must embrace the transition and look forward to witnessing the emergence of the next generation of football legends. 

Razaq Adebayo, ALONGE