Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the most influential footballers in recent history and his aura stands out among the others. As an active player in the Saudi Pro League, CR7 continues to dazzle with his heroics on the pitch. The Portuguese striker has won several titles over the years, be it for his national side or while playing at the club level. Over the years, Ronaldo’s style impressed everyone, which led him to win five Ballon d’Or titles. But he hasn’t been a part of the ceremony since 2017. It has been suggested that he has been upset with the award’s rules. Are the reports true? Let’s check out.

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Did Cristiano Ronaldo Really Skip Ballon d’Or Voting? 

The Ballon d’Or is regarded as one of the most prestigious individual awards in the history of football, and the best football players aim to make it into the list. Over the years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have had an extensive rivalry over the years to remain in the top spot for the prestigious award. Interestingly, CR7 hasn’t been named as the best since 2017, and a report from The Times says that he looks to be upset over the award’s ruling.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Scotland and Portugal at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland | Image: AP Photo 

France Football Editor Vincent Garcia may have an answer to it, as he said that CR7 might be upset over the award’s rulings, which led to him abstaining from voting and attending the Golden Ball ceremony.

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“Winners have the right to come back to all future ceremonies but they don’t all come, some are very upset with us. I don’t know for certain Cristiano is, I don’t talk to him directly, but I know for example that former winners vote for the Kopa Trophy—for the best young player—and Cristiano didn’t vote last year and he didn’t vote this year either,” The Ballon d’Or Chief said as quote by GOAL.com.

The France Football Publication is the one that presents the iconic Golden Ball since 1956 to recognize the world’s best players. Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati were the recipients of the award in 2023. 2024 marks a new era as Rodri and Jude Bellingham are two of the top contenders, while Vinicius Junior may also emerge as the surprise recipient. Who will win the award? It is subject to witness.