Cristiano Ronaldo's Bold Take on Ballon d'Or Selection Criteria

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a compelling argument regarding the Ballon d'Or, suggesting that the award should be given to players from teams that have achieved significant success, particularly in the Champions League. His comments come ahead of the Nations League final, where he highlighted the importance of team accomplishments in determining the award's recipient. With rising stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal in the spotlight, the competition for this year's accolade is heating up. Ronaldo's perspective adds a new layer to the ongoing debate about the criteria for one of football's most prestigious awards.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2025, 20:47 IST

Ronaldo Advocates for Team Success in Ballon d'Or Selection

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, believes that the prestigious accolade should be awarded to a player from a Champions League-winning team. Speaking at an event in Munich, just a day before the Nations League final, he emphasized the significance of a team's achievements in determining the Ballon d'Or winner.

“In my view, the recipient should belong to a team that has secured trophies. The Ballon d'Or should go to someone from a Champions League-winning squad,” stated the 40-year-old forward during his interaction with the media.

Since its inception in 1956, France Football magazine has awarded the Ballon d'Or annually to the best football player of the previous year.

Following PSG's remarkable 5-0 victory in the Champions League, Ousmane Dembélé faces increased expectations to clinch the 2022 Ballon d'Or. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal has raised hopes for the Magnus Award after his standout performance in Spain's triumph, leading some to speculate that he could become the youngest winner in history.

Despite winning the Ballon d'Or five times between 2008 and 2017, Ronaldo remains behind Lionel Messi, who has claimed the trophy a record eight times. For a decade, these two legends dominated the awards scene.