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Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken for the first time since being left out of the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominations, delivering a blunt verdict on the award that has defined much of his career. The five-time winner, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr described the accolade as “fictitious” after his name was omitted from the 30-man shortlist announced last week.
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For over a decade, the Ballon d’Or race was synonymous with one of the most captivating rivalries in sports — Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi. The two footballing icons pushed each other to unprecedented heights, with Ronaldo’s last triumph in 2017 drawing him level with Messi at five wins apiece. Since then, Messi has pulled ahead, claiming the award three more times, including his most recent win after guiding Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
Ronaldo’s Reaction: A Sharp Dismissal
Speaking to SportTV reporters, the 40-year-old Portuguese forward kept his statement short but loaded with meaning:
“That’s fictitious to me.”
It was a rare moment of public commentary from Ronaldo on the Ballon d’Or in recent years. He did not elaborate further, instead steering the conversation away from the award entirely. The response suggests that, at least outwardly, the legendary forward is unmoved by the omission.
Still, given Ronaldo’s competitive nature and history with the Ballon d’Or, the remark will fuel speculation over whether his absence from the list stings more than he lets on.
The 2025 Shortlist: Portugal Well Represented
While Ronaldo’s name is missing, three Portuguese internationals made the 2025 shortlist — a sign of the nation’s continued footballing strength. Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes, all of Paris Saint-Germain, are among the 30 contenders vying for the Golden Ball.
For Ronaldo, this marks the second time in three years he has missed the cut, a stark contrast to his near-annual presence on the list from 2007 to 2021. Over that stretch, he finished in the top three on 13 occasions, collecting five wins and narrowly missing out on others in tight voting years.
From Manchester to the Middle East
Ronaldo’s omission also reflects the shifting trajectory of his career. After a second spell at Manchester United ended in late 2022, the forward joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The move came shortly after the Qatar World Cup, and while it surprised some fans, it opened a new chapter in both Ronaldo’s career and in Saudi football’s global ambitions.
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Since arriving in Riyadh, Ronaldo has been the face of the Saudi Pro League, drawing international attention and inspiring a wave of high-profile signings. His goal-scoring record remains prolific, with over 70 goals in all competitions for Al-Nassr so far.
A New Contract and a Clear Commitment
Speculation had swirled in recent months over whether Ronaldo might seek a return to Europe or explore other leagues, but the Portuguese captain put those rumours to rest earlier this month. On social media, he posted a photo in the Al-Nassr kit with the caption:
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”
The new deal will keep him in Saudi Arabia for two more years, extending his stay until at least the summer of 2027 — by which time he will be 42 years old.
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Chasing History: The 1,000-Goal Dream
Beyond contracts and accolades, Ronaldo has set his sights on one of football’s most remarkable personal milestones: reaching 1,000 career goals.
Currently, he sits just shy of 950 goals, a figure that includes his tallies for club and country across official competitions. The feat would cement his place in football history as the most prolific scorer the game has ever seen, surpassing records that have stood for decades.
Given his conditioning, professionalism, and continued scoring rate in Saudi Arabia, reaching the 1,000-goal mark is no longer a question of possibility but of when.
Ballon d’Or vs Ronaldo: A Complex Relationship
The Ballon d’Or has been a central part of Ronaldo’s career narrative. Winning his first in 2008 with Manchester United, he went on to claim four more titles — in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 — all while battling Messi for supremacy.
But the past few years have seen the award slip further from his grasp. Playing outside Europe’s top five leagues naturally reduces visibility among voters, who often prioritise performances in the UEFA Champions League and major European competitions.
Critics of the award have long argued that it can be swayed by narrative, popularity, and media momentum — factors Ronaldo may have been alluding to in his “fictitious” remark. Supporters of the award, however, point to its long history and the calibre of players it honours each year.
Portugal Success and International Ambitions
While Ronaldo’s club career has shifted to the Middle East, his international career remains active and decorated. Just recently, he led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title, defeating Spain in the final. His leadership, scoring ability, and experience remain invaluable assets for the national team, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America on the horizon.
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Portugal’s new generation of stars — including Ballon d’Or nominees Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes — now blend with Ronaldo’s veteran presence, creating a squad that balances youth and experience.
Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League’s Rising Profile
Ronaldo’s continued presence in the Saudi Pro League plays a critical role in the competition’s global growth strategy. His arrival in 2022 was followed by an influx of top European talent, transforming the league into a more competitive and marketable product.
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With international broadcasting deals, sponsorship growth, and increased stadium attendances, Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond the pitch. For Al-Nassr, his goals have helped secure domestic trophies and deep runs in continental competitions, while his name recognition has opened doors in global markets.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
As the Ballon d’Or debate simmers, Ronaldo’s focus appears firmly set on the future. With two more years in Saudi Arabia, he will have the chance to add more silverware to Al-Nassr’s cabinet, maintain his place as Portugal’s talisman, and march toward that 1,000-goal milestone.
For fans, the GOAT debate with Messi may never be settled definitively, but Ronaldo’s career has already left an indelible mark on football history. The Ballon d’Or may be “fictitious” in his eyes, but his legacy is tangible, etched in goals, trophies, and unforgettable moments
In the end, Ronaldo’s dismissal of the Ballon d’Or as “fictitious” may be as much about perspective as it is about criticism. At 40, he is still performing at a level most players can only dream of, still breaking records, still lifting trophies.
Awards may define a moment in time, but for Ronaldo, it seems the pursuit of greatness — and perhaps that 1,000-goal milestone — is the true measure of his career.
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