×

CR7 speaks on Ballon d’Or winner


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.

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 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 are 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.

Offers for you

Get a ₦ 100,000 Deposit Bonus

Visit 22Bet

Get a 300,000 Deposit Bonus

Visit HelaBet

Get a ₦ 100,000 Deposit Bonus

Visit Bet Winner

Get a ₦ 50,000 Deposit Bonus

Visit Wazobet

Get a 100% Welcome Bonus

Visit Paripesa

Get a ₦ 150 000 Deposit Bonus

Visit Surebet 247
notification-icon
×

Be the first to know!

Stay up to date with top betting opportunities. Sign up today to receive alerts on exclusive tips and offers that can boost your betting game.

notification-icon
×

Be the first to know!

Stay up to date with top betting opportunities. Sign up today to receive alerts on exclusive tips and offers that can boost your betting game.