Cristiano Ronaldo Comments on Ballon d’Or Omission

Ronaldo Speaks Out on Ballon d’Or Exclusion

Updated on: August 11, 2025, 08:56 AM IST

Portugal’s football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, has dismissed the prestigious Ballon d’Or as “fictitious” after not being nominated in the 2025 edition. Despite having won the award five times, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr player was absent from this year’s list of 30 nominees. Ronaldo’s last accolade came in 2017 during his tenure with Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo on Ballon d'Or Omission — Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on not being nominated for Ballon d’Or. (AFP)

Although tied with Lionel Messi in 2017, Messi has since claimed the award three additional times, bolstered by his 2022 FIFA World Cup victory with Argentina, intensifying the GOAT debate.

For 2025, Ronaldo’s fellow compatriots, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes from Paris Saint-Germain, have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

In response to questions regarding his omission, Ronaldo remarked to SportTV, “That’s fictitious to me,” opting not to elaborate further. Ronaldo recently extended his contract in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League for two more years.

Ronaldo’s Future with Al-Nassr

On social media, Ronaldo reaffirmed his commitment to Al-Nassr despite transfer rumors, captioning a photo, “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”

Having joined Al Nassr in 2022 post his departure from Manchester United, Ronaldo landed in Saudi Arabia shortly after the 2022 World Cup with a 2.5-year contract. He also recently led Portugal to victory at the UEFA Nations League, defeating Spain.

Approaching a milestone of 1,000 career goals, Ronaldo is nearing the 950-goal mark.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Dismisses Ballon d’Or Snub as ‘Fictional Distraction’

Ronaldo’s Future with Al-Nassr