Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the debate over who should claim this year’s prestigious award, insisting that the accolade should go to a player from a team that lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy.
Speaking at a press conference in Munich on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final clash between Portugal and Spain, the 40-year-old icon stressed the importance of team accomplishments in individual recognition.
“In my opinion, whoever wins [the Ballon d’Or] 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,” said Ronaldo, who remains one of football’s most decorated players.
The legendary forward’s comments come amid growing speculation over who will take home the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Following Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in last Saturday’s Champions League final, momentum has built around Ousmane Dembele as a leading contender for the crown.
Dembele’s case has received strong backing from France coach Didier Deschamps, who praised the winger’s impact and consistency throughout the season.
“Considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that’s all I wish for him,” Deschamps told reporters.
Dembele also has the support of France captain Kylian Mbappé, who made his preference known at a press briefing in Stuttgart.
“Does anyone really need me to explain? Right now we’re talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I’m voting for Dembele,” Mbappé declared.
However, 17-year-old Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal has also emerged as a surprise contender following his dazzling performance in Spain’s 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France. Should he win, Yamal would become the youngest Ballon d’Or recipient in history.
Still, Ronaldo—who shares a historic rivalry with eight-time winner Lionel Messi—refused to name a personal favorite.
“I cannot tell you who deserves it,” he said diplomatically, redirecting the conversation to broader team success.
The Ballon d’Or, first awarded by France Football in 1956, recognizes the best footballer over the previous season. Its current holder is Rodri, the Spain and Manchester City midfielder.
Sunday’s final between Spain and Portugal promises not only to determine the Nations League champion but could also play a decisive role in shaping the Ballon d’Or narrative.
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