Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the Ballon d’Or debate, suggesting that the prestigious award should go to a player who has helped their team win the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking at a press conference in Munich ahead of the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain, the 40-year-old star emphasised the importance of team success in deciding individual honours.
“In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League,” Ronaldo told reporters on Saturday.
The Ballon d’Or, presented by France Football since 1956, is awarded annually to the best-performing player from the previous season.
Following Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final last weekend, momentum has grown behind Ousmane Dembele as a top contender for this year’s award.
France coach Didier Deschamps voiced his support for Dembele, saying, “Considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that’s all I wish for him.”
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal also entered the conversation after his dazzling performance in Spain’s 5-4 extra-time win over France in the Nations League semi-final. At just 17, a Ballon d’Or victory would make him the youngest recipient in history.
But France captain Kylian Mbappe made his preference clear: “Does anyone really need me to explain? Right now, we’re talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I’m voting for Dembele.”
Ronaldo speaks further
Ronaldo, while refraining from naming a specific favourite, acknowledged the complexity of the decision. “I cannot tell you who deserves it,” he said.
With five Ballon d’Or wins to his name—second only to Lionel Messi’s eight—Ronaldo remains one of the most decorated figures in the award’s history. The duo famously dominated the accolades between 2008 and 2017.
The current titleholder is Rodri of Spain and Manchester City, who received the honour in October 2024.
