Ronaldo Skips Club World Cup, Backs Champions League Winner for Ballon d’Or

Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to skip the FIFA Club World Cup to focus on leading Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final against Spain, emphasizing his commitment to international competition as his contract with Al-Nassr nears its end. He has expressed a strong opinion on the 2025 Ballon d'Or, stating that the award should go to a player from a Champions League-winning team, criticizing the award's recent loss of prestige when given to players who have not won the Champions League. Ronaldo highlighted PSG players, particularly Ousmane Dembele, as strong contenders due to their recent Champions League victory, while downplaying the chances of Barcelona's 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, advising fans not to pressure the young talent. Despite acknowledging many strong contenders including Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, Ronaldo insists that trophies, especially the Champions League, should be the decisive factor in the award. His comments have sparked debate amid contrasting views from other football figures who support both Dembele and Yamal. Ronaldo’s stance underscores his focus on achievements in the most prestigious club competition as the key criterion for individual recognition.