Ballon d'Or: Ronaldo reacts after he and Messi were omitted from shortlist

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to his omission from the 2025 France Football Ballon d’Or nominations.

Ronaldo and Lionel Messi failed to make the shortlist for the annual award recognising the best player in the world.

The absence of the two most decorated winners in the award’s history has sparked widespread debate over this year’s selection process.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 40 continues to impress with his performances for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, has won the Ballon d’Or five times and finished runner-up on six occasions.

In an interview with Sport TV Portugal, Ronaldo delivered a sharp assessment of the award’s credibility.

When asked who he believed would win this year’s prize, he replied bluntly, “It’s fictional.”

Ronaldo’s fierce rivalry with Lionel Messi defined football for over a decade, with the pair claiming 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them.