In a stunning turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo, the football legend who has consistently graced the Ballon d’Or stage for the past two decades, has been notably absent from the final 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award in Ballon d’Or award 2023. This remarkable development marks a watershed moment in the world of football, signaling the end of an era defined by Ronaldo’s unparalleled talent and consistent presence among the sport’s elite. Join us as we delve into the intriguing story behind this surprising omission and explore its implications for the future of football’s most coveted individual honor.
The five time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has missed out on a nomination for the Ballon d’Or 2023.
How many times did Ronaldo get the Ballon d Or?
- Ronaldo has collected 5 Ballon d’Or awards
2008
2013
2014
2016
2018
Cristiano Ronaldo has now failed to make the final 30 for the Ballon d’Or award for the first time in 20 years.
The legendary Portuguese figure has received the honor five times, with his most recent victory occurring in 2017. In his career, Ronaldo has collected 5 Ballon d’Or awards (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017). He joined Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr in January, and he has had a fantastic start to life there.
After spending the first part of the previous season with Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end. Under Erik ten Hag, the legendary Portuguese player was benched from the Red Devils’ starting lineup. In 16 games throughout tournaments, he only made 10 starts, although he scored three goals.
The 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is recovering at Al-Nassr and adjusting to his new position as a founder member of the league. He scored 14 goals and provided two assists in 16 league games for Al-Alami last season, but he was unable to help them win the title.
The illustrious Portuguese footballer was not included in this year’s Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist. As Messi and 30 other players are included in the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Since he began his career, Cristiano has continuously been nominated for the sport’s top individual award while dominating at Manchester United in 2003. After abruptly quitting Erik ten Hag’s system at Old Trafford following a lackluster 2023–24 season, he transferred to the Saudi Pro League but had no effect on Portugal’s World Cup performance. As a result, the Portuguese international footballer loses out on a nomination for the first time in 20 years.
Ronaldo has had a spectacular run at the pinnacle of European football, winning five Ballons d’Or (most recently in 2017) and receiving 18 nominations. He is the second-most decorated player in the history of the tournament, trailing only Lionel Messi, who has claimed the prize seven times and paved the way for an era of complete dominance for the Argentine and Portuguese teams. The Ballon d’Or omission must hurt for CR7, who recently declared he has no rivalry with the Barca star.