Ronaldo: Ballon d’Or Should Go to UCL Winner
Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the ongoing Ballon d’Or debate, asserting that the prestigious individual award should go to a player whose team has clinched major trophies — particularly the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain in Munich, the 40-year-old Al Nassr star emphasized the importance of team success in individual recognition.
“In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies,” Ronaldo said. “The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League.”
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football since 1956, honors the best-performing player over the previous season.
While it traditionally factors in individual brilliance, Ronaldo believes that lifting key titles — especially Europe’s top club competition — should be a decisive criterion.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and all-time top scorer in the Champions League, has long championed the value of winning on the biggest stages.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates over which achievements should carry the most weight in Ballon d’Or voting.
Ronaldo: Ballon d’Or Should Go to UCL Winner