Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has finally addressed his surprising omission from the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominations, calling the decision "fictitious" in a candid interview. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, known for his relentless ambition, expressed his disbelief but remained confident in his legacy.

Ronaldo’s Strong Reaction to Ballon d’Or Exclusion

For the first time since 2003, Ronaldo was not among the nominees for football’s most prestigious individual award. The Portuguese superstar, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, did not hold back his thoughts.

“That’s fictitious to me,” Ronaldo stated. “I’ve always believed in my abilities, and my numbers speak for themselves. Awards come and go, but legacy stays forever.”

His exclusion has sparked debates among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether his move away from Europe influenced the decision.

A Career Built on Excellence

Ronaldo’s absence from the Ballon d’Or list is shocking, given his unparalleled career achievements:

5 Ballon d’Or wins (tied with Lionel Messi until 2021)

Over 850 career goals (a record in professional football)

Champions League dominance (5 titles, all-time top scorer)

Despite his age (38), Ronaldo continues to perform at a high level, scoring consistently for club and country. However, the Ballon d’Or has traditionally favored players in Europe’s top leagues, raising questions about bias in the selection process.

Did Moving to Saudi Arabia Cost Ronaldo the Nomination?

Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has been in stellar form, netting over 30 goals in all competitions. Yet, critics argue that the Saudi Pro League lacks the competitiveness of the Premier League or La Liga.

Ronaldo dismissed this notion, saying, “Football is global. Talent and hard work matter, not just the league you play in.”

Interestingly, Lionel Messi, his long-time rival, made the shortlist despite moving to MLS—another non-European league. This inconsistency has fueled further discussions about fairness in the nomination criteria.

Ronaldo’s Unshaken Confidence

Rather than dwelling on the snub, Ronaldo remains focused on his game.

“I don’t need awards to prove my worth,” he asserted. “My fans know what I’ve achieved, and that’s enough for me.”

His mindset reflects his legendary mentality—always striving for more, regardless of external validation.

Legacy Over Temporary Recognition

While the Ballon d’Or omission may sting, Ronaldo’s legacy is untouchable. His impact on football transcends individual awards, and his influence continues to inspire future generations.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t need a trophy to remind the world of his greatness.

Read Also: Kane Williamson Reflects on Virat Kohli’s Unexpected Test Retirement

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