No credibility: Ronaldo rubbishes Messi’s latest Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards

Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his doubts over the credibility of the Ballon d'Or and FIFA the Best awards after arch-rival Lionel Messi claimed both accolades

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has raised eyebrows by expressing scepticism about the credibility of prestigious awards such as the Ballon d'Or and The Best.

Ronaldo pokes at credibility of global awards

In a recent statement, following the Globe Awards ceremony, Ronaldo was adamant about the lost validity of winning some of football’s most prestigious awards, and candidly remarked, "Ballon d'Or and The Best are losing credibility."

The Portuguese superstar, known for his goal-scoring prowess and unwavering dedication to the sport, did not mince words when addressing the matter. "It's not to say that Messi didn't deserve it, or Haaland or even Mbappe… but the numbers are there, and the numbers don't deceive. You have to consider the entire season," Ronaldo emphasized.

In an exclusive interview with Record, Ronaldo delved into his perspective on the subject, shedding light on his concerns regarding the evaluation criteria for these esteemed awards. "The numbers are facts," he asserted, highlighting the undeniable statistical evidence that, in his view, should play a crucial role in determining the recipients of such accolades.

Ronaldo's viewpoint challenges the conventional approach to awarding football's most prestigious individual honours, which often involves a subjective assessment of players' performances throughout the year. The emphasis on numbers underscores his belief in the quantitative aspect of the game, where goals, assists, and overall statistical contributions become paramount.

Ronaldo claims scepticism over awards not about Messi

Messi recently overtook Ronaldo as the player with the most FIFA The Best award and currently holds an 8-5 lead over the former Manchester United star when it comes to Ballon d’Ors, but the Al Nassr man claimed his recent submissions have nothing to do with the little Argentine saying, "It's not about taking away credit from other players. Messi, Haaland, Mbappé—they are all exceptional talents.

He acknowledged the skills and achievements of his peers and his stance seems to revolve around a call for a more objective and comprehensive evaluation that considers players' performances across the entire season, not just isolated moments or competitions.

The footballing world is no stranger to debates surrounding award decisions, with fans, players, and pundits offering diverse opinions on who truly deserves the coveted titles. Ronaldo's bold statements add a new layer to this ongoing conversation, prompting a reevaluation of the criteria used to determine football's outstanding individual performers.

As the football community absorbs Ronaldo's remarks, it remains to be seen how this will impact the narrative around awards ceremonies in the future. Will there be a shift towards a more data-driven approach, or will the traditional blend of subjective judgment and statistical achievements continue to shape the landscape of individual football honours?

In a sport where opinions and perspectives often collide, Cristiano Ronaldo's critique challenges the status quo and invites a broader discussion on the criteria that truly define greatness in the beautiful game. As the debate unfolds, one thing is certain—the numbers, according to Ronaldo, tell a story that cannot be ignored.

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