Franck Ribéry responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League Ballon d'Or comments
Franck Ribéry has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's recent comments suggesting the Ballon d'Or should go to the UEFA Champions League winner. Ribéry, who lost out on the 2013 Ballon d'Or despite winning multiple titles with Bayern Munich, posted a sarcastic reaction on social media questioning the award's selection criteria.
Cristiano Ronaldo links Ballon d'Or to Champions League performance
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Ribéry recalls 2013 Ballon d'Or disappointment
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Cristiano Ronaldo stated in a press conference ahead of the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain that the Ballon d'Or should be awarded to the player who wins and stands out in the UEFA Champions League . The forward, who has previously won the Ballon d'Or five times, made the comments when asked about the upcoming edition of the award, which will be presented on September 22.According to Ronaldo, performance in the Champions League remains the most important factor when determining the Ballon d'Or recipient. "The one who should win is the one who stands out and wins the Champions League," he said.Ronaldo's remarks come as speculation builds around potential Ballon d'Or contenders following the conclusion of the European club season. The UEFA Champions League, widely considered the most prestigious club competition, is often used as a benchmark for individual accolades such as the Ballon d'Or. Franck Ribéry , former France international and Bayern Munich midfielder, responded to Ronaldo's comments through a post on his official X and Instagram accounts. The post included a pointed question: 'So you need to win the Champions League to win the Ballon d'Or ?'Ribéry's reaction appears to reference the 2013 Ballon d'Or, where he was considered a top contender after a standout season with Bayern Munich. That year, Ribéry played a key role in helping the German club secure a historic treble—winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. Bayern Munich also added the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup to its trophy haul.Despite his contributions, the 2013 Ballon d'Or was awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo. The decision drew criticism at the time, particularly since Ronaldo did not win any major team titles that year.In 2013, Ribéry received several individual honors, including the French Footballer of the Year, Bundesliga Player of the Year, UEFA Best Player in Europe, and the Club World Cup Ballon d'Or. He also led the Bundesliga in assists and was named to both the Bundesliga and UEFA Teams of the Year.Ribéry's recent social media post revives the long-standing debate over the criteria used to award the Ballon d'Or. The ongoing conversation reflects broader questions about the balance between individual performance and team success in global football recognition.
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