“Give It to a Champions League Winner” – Cristiano Ronaldo Weighs In on Ballon d’Or Debate

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Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
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Cristiano Ronaldo believes team success should influence Ballon d’Or selection

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited the Ballon d’Or debate, insisting the award should go to a player whose team has lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner argued that team achievements should weigh heavily in deciding who takes home football’s most coveted individual prize.

“In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League,” Ronaldo stated, as reported by TheScore.

Yamal vs. Dembele: A Heated Debate

Ronaldo’s remarks come at a time when the football world is split between two rising stars—Spain’s Lamine Yamal and France’s Ousmane Dembele.

"Give It to a Champions League Winner" - Cristiano Ronaldo Weighs In on Ballon d’Or Debate

Dembele, who helped Paris Saint-Germain dominate Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, has been touted by many, including France manager Didier Deschamps, as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. His consistent form throughout the season and impact in Europe’s top club competition have earned him widespread praise.

On the other hand, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal is making history with Spain, dazzling in their dramatic 5-4 win over France in the Nations League semi-finals. Should Yamal win the Ballon d’Or, he would become the youngest recipient of the award—a feat that would be historic but controversial.

Ronaldo’s Take Reflects Broader Sentiment

Ronaldo’s view—that individual brilliance should be aligned with collective success—mirrors a growing sentiment among football fans and analysts. While moments of individual magic can define a season, many argue that the Ballon d’Or should ultimately reflect the highest level of consistent, team-oriented performance.

A Ballon d’Or Race with Big Implications

As the 2025 Ballon d’Or race heats up, Ronaldo’s comments add a layer of gravitas to the discussion. With both Dembele and Yamal delivering outstanding performances for club and country, the final decision will likely stir debate no matter the outcome.

Whoever wins, it’s clear that this year’s Ballon d’Or will be one of the most closely watched and hotly contested in recent memory.

Also Read: Breaking – Rodri wins Ballon d’Or 2024: Man City midfielder pips Vinicius Junior to crown

Author

  • Daniel Ablordey

    Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter.

    As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves.

    Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact.

    Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity.

    His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa’s transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.

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Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter. As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves. Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact. Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity. His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa’s transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.
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