Two shock names emerged in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, according to reports in France.

Two shock names emerged in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, according to reports in France.

For the first time in almost two decades, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi are in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.

Indeed, the pair have won 13 Ballon d’Ors between them, with Messi having claimed eight, including last year’s edition, and Ronaldo on five.

But this year, with the duo in the twilight of their respective careers, a new generation of players is set to contest for football’s most lauded individual honour.

Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr have long been in the conversation for this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the former having starred in his first season with the La Liga giants, setting up the latter to score in the Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Rodri is also thought to be among the leading contenders, having helped his club to a record fourth-successive Premier League title and won Spain’s record fourth European Championship title.

Martinez scored the winner in the Copa America final (Getty)

However, according to L’Equipe Argentina star Lautaro Martinez is also in contention for the Ballon d’Or, after scoring five goals in his six Copa America games, including the winner in Sunday’s final.

For Inter last term, Martinez also racked up 24 goals and provided six assists in 33 games for Inter, who claimed the Serie A title.

Meanwhile, the publication has also alleged that Dani Carvajal is in the running.

The right-back won his fourth La Liga title and his sixth Champions League crown at Real Madrid last season, scoring the opening goal in the latter’s final.

Carvajal was also a regular in the Spain team as they won Euro 2024, beating England 2-1 in the competition’s final.

Selena Gomez wrapped up 2023 on a special date with her boyfriend, Benny Blanco

Gomez, 31, shared a snapshot from their outing via her Instagram Story on Saturday, December 30. Wearing a fuzzy black coat, Gomez received a hug from Blanco, 35, while they stood on a beachfront boardwalk. The music producer, for his part, wore a floral hoodie and wrapped his arms around Gomez. He also planted a kiss on the back of her neck as she smiled for the camera.

Gomez debuted their relationship earlier in December, confirming via social media that they started dating six months prior.

“He is my absolute everything in my heart,” the Golden Globe nominee gushed in a since-deleted Instagram comment on December 7. “He [has] been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The end. … He’s still better than anyone I’ve been with. Facts.”

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Hours later, Gomez uploaded multiple cuddly pics of the couple to her Instagram Story. In the snaps, she was prominently wearing a “B” diamond ring that seemingly corresponded to Blanco’s initials. (His real name is Benjamin Levin.)

“Selena hasn’t felt this happy about anybody she’s dated in a really long time,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in December. “Selena and Benny are truly in love and although she has kept most people she’s dated under wraps, with Benny, she couldn’t wait to reveal they were together.”

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco. Getty Images (2)

The insider further noted that Gomez’s family “absolutely approves” of the whirlwind romance, adding, “They’re thrilled to see her so happy and in love.”

A second source later told Us that Blanco “dotes on [Gomez] like a princess” and that they have already passed the “early trial stages” of dating.

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Gomez and Blanco have known each other since 2015, often collaborating on music. They last teamed up for Gomez’s newest song, “Single Soon,” which was released in August.

Shortly before Gomez hard-launched her romance with Blanco, she hinted on her Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays TV special that someone had caught her eye. In the December 4 episode, Gomez teased that she had developed a crush on a mystery man. Weeks later during the December 21 episode, she revealed that she had a date right “after” filming wrapped.

Gomez’s best friend and Selena + Chef costar, <strong>Raquelle Stevens</strong>, then proclaimed that Gomez will have a “new man” in time for 2024.

“Let’s hope!” Gomez responded. “[Dating] is so exhausting, but I’ve been single for five years. I think I’m ready.”