Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t holding back. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has openly questioned the credibility of the award, indirectly taking a shot at Lionel Messi’s seven wins.
Ronaldo Calls Out Ballon d’Or Voting
In an interview with La Sexta, Ronaldo made it clear—he thinks the Ballon d’Or system is flawed. According to him, Vinicius Jr. deserved the award last year, not Rodri. And while he didn’t mention Messi by name, the message was obvious.
“There is no credibility. Vinicius should be the Ballon d’Or winner. I have felt it many times and I felt angry. Over time I understood it, these are battles that you cannot win.”
Ronaldo vs. Messi: The Endless Debate
Ronaldo and Messi have dominated football for over a decade. Between them, they’ve won 77 official trophies—Messi has 44, Ronaldo 33. They’ve both smashed records, scoring over 800 goals each in club and international football.
But Ronaldo clearly believes he’s the most complete player:
“Taste is one thing, but to say Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie. I’m the most complete. I don’t see anyone better than me, and I say that with all my heart.”
Does He Have a Point?
The Ballon d’Or has long been a topic of debate. Many feel it favors forwards and ignores players in defensive or midfield roles. Ronaldo’s frustration isn’t new—he’s been vocal about the politics behind football awards for years.
Historically, the Ballon d’Or has been criticized for favoring narrative over actual performance. Some years, it feels like a popularity contest rather than a true measure of the best footballer. Ronaldo’s complaints resonate with those who feel players like Robert Lewandowski and Virgil van Dijk have been unfairly snubbed in the past.
Messi vs. Ronaldo: Legacy at Stake?
Despite the controversy, Messi and Ronaldo’s legacies are already cemented. Messi’s incredible dribbling, vision, and playmaking contrast with Ronaldo’s raw athleticism, power, and goal-scoring ability. But for Ronaldo, being remembered as the best is just as important as winning trophies.
Many believe Messi’s seventh Ballon d’Or win was influenced by his World Cup victory with Argentina. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has continued proving his worth with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, breaking records even at 40.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
At 40, Ronaldo is still going strong in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. Meanwhile, Messi is in the MLS with Inter Miami. Both are heading toward the end of their careers, but their rivalry is far from over.
Even if Ronaldo never wins another Ballon d’Or, his influence on football is undeniable. The question is: does the award still matter as much as it used to? Or is it time to rethink how football’s best are recognized?
What do you think? Is Ronaldo right to call out the Ballon d’Or? Or is Messi’s record fair? Let us know in the comments!
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