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MUNICH – Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, said Saturday the award should go to a player whose team won the Champions League. His views on the Ballon d’Or criteria came before Sunday’s Nations League final.
Ronaldo stated “trophies” must be key. “The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League,” the 40-year-old forward told reporters. This statement defines the Ballon d’Or criteria he supports.
Award Buzz: Dembele and Yamal Emerge
The Ballon d’Or, from French magazine France Football since 1956, honors the season’s best player. Recent events sparked debate. Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan led to calls for Ousmane Dembele to win.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal also gained attention. His display in Spain’s 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France made some argue the 17-year-old deserves the Ballon d’Or. He would be its youngest winner. This differs from the Ronaldo Ballon d’Or criteria.
French Camp Opinions Vary
France coach Didier Deschamps backed Ousmane Dembele. “Considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it,” Deschamps said. French captain Kylian Mbappe also supported Dembele. At a Stuttgart press conference, Mbappe said, “Right now we’re talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I’m voting for Dembele.”
Ronaldo, despite his Ballon d’Or criteria, said he “cannot tell you who deserves it” this year.
By Kayode Ojo
Culled:AFP
