Cristiano Ronaldo admits to being left feeling “angry” over some of his Ballon d’Or defeats to eternal rival Lionel Messi.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
- Portuguese icon won Golden Ball in 2008
- Has taken his tally to five
- Argentine rival has eight triumphs on his CV
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo was the first of that pair to claim a Golden Ball in 2008. He then saw Messi enjoy a run of four successive triumphs, before emerging victorious in four out of five years between 2013 and 2017.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo has been unable to add to his tally since then, while Messi has pulled clear with eight successes. CR7 feels he was treated a little harshly at times, with remarkable standards being maintained at Real Madrid as he became their all-time leading goalscorer.
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WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID
Current Blancos star Vinicius Junior was beaten to the Ballon d’Or by Manchester City midfielder Rodri in 2024, a decision that Ronaldo disagrees with, and he has told of the prize not always going to the most worthy recipient: “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.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Ronaldo has never been one to waste energy reflecting on the past, with the Al-Nassr forward – who is still going strong as he prepares to turn 40 years of age – adding on his achievements: “Something often has to happen to you for you to appreciate everything you've been through. I'm such a competitive person that sometimes I forget what I've achieved. If someone else were in my position, I would have quit football 10 years ago. I'm different.”
