What If... We erased the Messi-Ronaldo era?

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In a recent episode, the discussion shifts to the impact of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the sport. The hosts explore hypothetical scenarios in which neither player existed, focusing on who might have won the Ballon d'Or during that time. They highlight alternative winners such as Fernando Torres, Xavi, and Iniesta, while also contemplating how the absence of these two stars could have altered the football landscape, including the dynamics of clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The conversation also touches on the individualistic nature of modern football, suggesting that the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo has overshadowed other talents and shaped the way fans engage with the sport. The hosts speculate on how football might have evolved differently, potentially leading to a more team-oriented approach to the game. As the episode concludes, they consider who might win the Ballon d'Or this year, with Harry Kane emerging as a favorite, though they acknowledge the unpredictability of the award.

With the Ballon d'Or fast approaching, this week’s episode of ‘What If’, Emma is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Dan Kilpatrick and Jack Pitt-Brooke to pick apart the unfathomable… What if Messi and Ronaldo didn’t exist?

Who scores their goals? Who’s career skyrockets? And topically, who wins their Ballons d’Or?

Plus, we discuss who we think will be just the 5th player outside of the two main men to win the Ballon d’Or since 2008.

Host: Emma Paton Panelists: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan Kilpatrick, Tim Spiers Executive Producers: Adam Jones, Max Curwen Bingley Producer: Mike Stavrou Videographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.