Renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced his opinion that the credibility of individual football awards is diminishing, particularly in the aftermath of Lionel Messi’s contentious FIFA triumph. Messi secured FIFA’s The Best accolade last week, surprising many who expected Erling Haaland, the Treble-winning player, to clinch the title. Despite Messi’s Ballon d’Or victory following his World Cup success, the FIFA prize covered a period that excluded these achievements. Ronaldo, who won three awards at the Globe Soccer Awards, suggested that Messi may not have been a deserving recipient.
“I believe these awards are losing credibility,” Ronaldo remarked. “We need to assess the entire season, not to say Messi, Haaland, or even Mbappe didn’t deserve it. I just no longer have faith in these awards. It’s not because I won at Globe Soccer, but facts and numbers matter. This trophy is mine, and the numbers don’t lie. It brings me even more joy because the numbers are indisputable.”
Ronaldo also acknowledged that his future participation in major awards might be unlikely due to his current affiliation with a club in Saudi Arabia.
“I prioritize my club and the national team, considering how other organizations operate. Awards come after a successful season for both the club and the national team. I don’t dwell on it much, honestly,” he commented.