Cristiano Ronaldo rompe el silencio después de Ballon d'Or bisbio

It has come as a surprise that both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been left out of the annual France Football Ballon d'Or shortlist, an award honoring the best player in the world. The absence of the two most decorated winners in the trophy's history has sparked widespread discussion and raised questions about the reasoning behind this year's nominations.

Cristiano Ronaldo is renowned for his fierce determination and competitive spirit, traits that have propelled him to the pinnacle of football and earned him the sport's most prestigious awards. At 40 years old, the Portuguese icon continues to perform at an elite level, showcasing his enduring skill and scoring prowess with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and with his trademark candor, he delivered a sharp comment aimed at the Ballon d'Or committee. The statement from the former Nations League champion quickly ignited debate, fueling discussions across social media and sports circles worldwide.

Cristiano Ronaldo questions the credibility of the Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo knows well the thrill of lifting the Ballon d'Or, having claimed the prestigious trophy five times in his career. Yet, he is equally familiar with the sting of coming close, finishing runner-up on six occasions, four times to Lionel Messi, once to Luka Modric, and once to Kak in 2007.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has openly criticized the Ballon d'Or. In 2024, the former Real Madrid legend expressed his disbelief over the result, questioning why Vincius Jnior did not win the award. "There's no credibility. Vincius should have taken the award. I've felt that way many times, and I felt anger," Ronaldo stated at the time.

Now, in a recent interview with Sport TV Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo surprised many with a blunt remark about his prediction for the next Ballon d'Or winner. When asked who he thought would claim the award, the Portuguese star simply replied, "It's fictional," making clear his lack of faith in the credibility of football's most prestigious individual prize.

End of an era: second straight year without Messi or Ronaldo in Ballon d'Or race

Everyone knows Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are etched in football history, having shown immense value to the sport and defining an entire era. Now, after years of dominance, both players have once again missed the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.

After 22 years, this marks only the second time without Messi or Ronaldo among the nominees for football's most prestigious individual award. Ronaldo earned his first nomination in 2004, while the Argentine star entered the list for the first time in 2006.

For now, the list is full with young players that are marking the present of world soccer. Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Demebele, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Lautaro Martinez, and more will wait for the final decision of the wionner of the Ballon de or that will be deliver next 22 of September.