Legendary footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said that the prestigious Ballon d’Or award should be given to a player from the team that won the UEFA Champions League.
According to him, since the Champions League is regarded as one of the best football competitions in the world, a player who excelled for the winning team stands a chance of clinching any major accolade.
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 won other tournaments, while Champions League winners are sidelined.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s game against Spain in the 2025 UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo noted that the Champions League should play a major role in who wins the Ballon d’Or.
“For me, whoever wins the Ballon d’Or must be a player who has won the Champions League. I think this award has lost its value,” he said while addressing the debate regarding the 2025 edition of the award.
The Al Nassr forward urged football fans not to pressure Barcelona prodigy, Lamine Yamal, to win major awards, as he has more years ahead to grow into a better player.
“Lamine Yamal is doing very well, taking advantage of his talent. Let the kid grow. Don’t put too much pressure on him. Let him be and grow well, take the pressure off. He has no shortage of talent,” he added.
The comment comes on the back of fierce competition between Yamal and French attacker, Ousmane Dembele, for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.
Some pundits and fans tip Dembele as the favorite after he aided Paris Saint-Germain to win the treble, including the Champions League.
However, others believe Yamal’s individual performance for Barcelona throughout the season puts him ahead, having won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
SB/AE
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