Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Ballon d’Or should go to a player who wins the UEFA Champions League, emphasizing that “trophies” should be the key factor in deciding the prestigious award.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s Nations League final clash with Spain on Sunday in Munich, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said:
“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.”
The 40-year-old Al Nassr forward, who last won the Ballon d’Or in 2017, refrained from naming a specific player, saying, “I cannot tell you who deserves it.”
His comments come just a week after Paris Saint-Germain’s dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. That result sparked growing support for Ousmane Dembele as a leading contender for the award.
France coach Didier Deschamps weighed in, saying:
“Considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that’s all I wish for him.”
France captain Kylian Mbappe echoed the sentiment, telling reporters in Stuttgart:
“Does anyone need me to explain? Right now we’re talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I’m voting for Dembele.”
Meanwhile, Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal has entered the Ballon d’Or conversation after a dazzling performance in Spain’s 5-4 win over France in the Nations League semi-final. If he wins, the 17-year-old would become the youngest ever recipient of the award.
The current Ballon d’Or holder is Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The award, first given in 1956 by France Football, is presented annually to the best player in world football over the past season.
