Ex-Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) holding the 2013 Ballon d’Or
Football great, Cristiano Ronaldo’s remark that Ballon d’Or winners should be part of the Champions League winning team has triggered former French footballer, Franck Ribery, to question his assertion.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s game against Spain in the UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo noted that the Champions League should play a major role in determining the Ballon d’Or winner.
The Real Madrid legend stated that the award has lost its prestige and value in recent times, as the winner could go to players who haven’t won major tournaments, while Champions League winners are overlooked.
“For me, whoever wins the Ballon d’Or should be a player who has won the Champions League. I think this award has lost its value,” he said.
However, Ribery took to his X account to respond, seemingly ridiculing Ronaldo’s comment.
“So, you need to win the Champions League to win the Ballon d’Or?” he quizzed, adding three laughing emojis.
Ribery’s response may be linked to their past rivalry, particularly the 2013 Ballon d’Or award, which Ronaldo won despite Ribery’s impressive season with Bayern Munich.
That year, Ribery won the treble with Bayern, including the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal.
Ronaldo’s recent assertion that the Ballon d’Or should be given to a Champions League winner likely triggered Ribery’s remark.
SB/AE
Read Ribery’s remarks below:
So you NEED to win the Champions League to win the Ballon d’Or? 🤣🤣🤣
— Franck Ribéry (@FranckRibery) June 7, 2025
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