Ballon d'Or ‘should go to Champions League winner', says Ronaldo
MUNICH: Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said Saturday the individual honour should be awarded to a player who won the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Nations League final in Munich between Portugal and Spain, the veteran said 'trophies' should determine who wins the Ballon d'Or.
'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 forward told reporters.
First awarded in 1956 by French magazine France Football, the Ballon d'Or is awarded to the player considered the best over the previous season.
Paris Saint-Germain's 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last Saturday led to growing calls for Ousmane Dembele to win this season's gong.
Manchester United boost profit forecast after Europa League run lifts ticket sales
Spain starlet Lamine Yamal's superb display in Thursday's 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France however had some arguing the teenager should be awarded the Ballon d'Or, which would make the 17-year-old the youngest winner in its history.
France coach Didier Deschamps backed Dembele for the award, saying 'considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that's all I wish for him'.
At a press conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, France captain Kylian Mbappe told reporters he backed Dembele.
'Does anyone really need me to explain? Right now we're talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I'm voting for Dembele.'
Ronaldo said he 'cannot tell you who deserves it' this season.
Ronaldo's five wins is bettered only by Argentinian Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times.
The duo had a monopoly on the award for a decade from Ronaldo's first win in 2008 to his last in 2017.
The current holder is Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Mbappe ‘not bitter' about PSG's Champions League triumph
STUTTGART: France captain Kylian Mbappe said Saturday he is not bitter Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League the year after his departure for Real Madrid. 'I didn't leave too soon; my story with PSG was over. I am not bitter; I had reached the end of the road,' Mbappe said in a press conference ahead of Sunday's Nations League third place match against Germany in Stuttgart. PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 to win the Champions League in Munich last Saturday, the first time the club has won the competition. 'I tried everything, and it was destiny that meant it had to happen without me,' said Mbappe. 'PSG winning the Champions League without me doesn't affect me. I was happy, I think they deserved it. Ballon d'Or 'should go to Champions League winner', says Ronaldo 'They've had so many years where they struggled. I've been there too; I've played in every Champions League stage in Paris except for the victory. 'They're the best team in Europe. 'I don't remember seeing a team win 5-0 in a major final.' Mbappe has repeated his desire to win Europe's biggest club competition, but the closest the Paris-born forward got with his boyhood club was losing the final in 2020 to Bayern Munich. The 26-year-old moved to Madrid in the summer of 2024 hoping to lift the Champions League, but the Spanish giants crashed out in the quarter-finals of the competition to Arsenal in April. Real failed to win a trophy in the 2024-25 season, their first campaign without silverware in four years.
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Ballon d'Or ‘should go to Champions League winner', says Ronaldo
MUNICH: Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said Saturday the individual honour should be awarded to a player who won the Champions League. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Nations League final in Munich between Portugal and Spain, the veteran said 'trophies' should determine who wins the Ballon d'Or. '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 forward told reporters. First awarded in 1956 by French magazine France Football, the Ballon d'Or is awarded to the player considered the best over the previous season. Paris Saint-Germain's 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last Saturday led to growing calls for Ousmane Dembele to win this season's gong. Manchester United boost profit forecast after Europa League run lifts ticket sales Spain starlet Lamine Yamal's superb display in Thursday's 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France however had some arguing the teenager should be awarded the Ballon d'Or, which would make the 17-year-old the youngest winner in its history. France coach Didier Deschamps backed Dembele for the award, saying 'considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that's all I wish for him'. At a press conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, France captain Kylian Mbappe told reporters he backed Dembele. 'Does anyone really need me to explain? Right now we're talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I'm voting for Dembele.' Ronaldo said he 'cannot tell you who deserves it' this season. Ronaldo's five wins is bettered only by Argentinian Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times. The duo had a monopoly on the award for a decade from Ronaldo's first win in 2008 to his last in 2017. The current holder is Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Express Tribune
20 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Gabriel commits to Arsenal until 2029
Arsenal's Brazilian defensive rock Gabriel Magalhaes committed his future to the north London club until 2029 on Friday, extending a partnership that has become the cornerstone of manager Mikel Arteta's English Premier League title-chasing project. The 27-year-old centre back, whose existing deal ran until 2027, has proven indispensable since his 27 million pounds ($36.53 million) move from Lille in 2020, with the club's recent title challenge crumbling precisely when injury forced him to the sidelines. "I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I've learned a lot," Gabriel said after putting pen to paper at Emirates Stadium. "I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too." Gabriel's partnership with William Saliba has blossomed into one of the Premier League's most formidable defensive pairings since 2022, providing the foundation for Arsenal's resurgence as title contenders. His aerial prowess has also made him a persistent threat from set-pieces. The Brazilian's true value to Arsenal became painfully apparent during the final two months of the 2024-25 campaign when a hamstring injury derailed the Gunners' charge. Without their defensive lynchpin, Arsenal's title challenge disintegrated, and Paris St Germain ended their Champions League dreams in the semi-finals. Gabriel's recommitment represents a significant boost for Arteta's squad building. "I'm so proud to sign a new contract," Gabriel added. "I love the supporters, my team-mates, I love this stadium. We continue together for the future." With 210 appearances already under his belt, Gabriel's extended stay suggests Arsenal's defensive foundation is now secured for their next chapter of trophy hunting.
