Cristiano Ronaldo, honored at the Globe Soccer Awards, shares his concerns about the diminishing credibility of the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best awards. Despite Lionel Messi securing The Best award, Ronaldo refrains from voting for the second consecutive year, signaling his opposition to the institution.
Messi’s recent triumph at FIFA’s The Best marked another pinnacle in his illustrious career, adding to the eight Ballon d’Or awards. Meanwhile, Ronaldo, now with Al Nasr, earned the “Maradona” award at the Globe Soccer Awards for his remarkable performance, tallying 54 goals in 59 matches and surpassing players like Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland.
In an exclusive interview with Portuguese outlet “Record,” the 38-year-old football icon delves into the perceived erosion of credibility in the prestigious football accolades. Ronaldo boldly asserts, “The Golden Ball Award and The Best Award are losing their credibility,” a statement that implicitly challenges his perennial rival, Lionel Messi.
Responding to a question about the perceived inferiority of the Saudi Arabian league compared to others, Ronaldo, with characteristic candor, addresses the issue. He reflects on his familiarity with the workings of such organizations and discloses, “I’m used to that, and I know how these organizations work. To be honest, I haven’t watched The Best awards ceremony.”
Ronaldo’s decision to abstain from voting in The Best awards for two consecutive years underscores his principled stance against the institution. As the debate over the credibility of these prestigious football honors continues, Ronaldo’s comments add a compelling layer to the ongoing discourse within the football community. The veteran footballer’s achievements, along with Messi’s continued success, contribute to a dynamic and evolving narrative that captures the essence of the beautiful game.
