Cristiano Ronaldo, then 23, said he deserved the Ballon d’Or, citing his performance for Manchester United.
What happened
In a widely reported interview, Ronaldo declared, “to be honest, the Ballon d’Or belongs to me. I have been the best and most consistent.” He referenced a season in which United won the Premier League and the Champions League, and he scored 42 goals in 49 matches.
Why it matters
The statement sparked debate about self‑promotion in a sport that values team achievement. Critics noted that claiming the sport’s top individual award can appear arrogant, even when backed by statistics.
Background
During the campaign, Ronaldo finished as top scorer in both the Premier League and the Champions League and earned the European Golden Shoe. His tally of 42 goals made him the leading marksman in two major competitions in a single season.
What comes next
Ronaldo’s comments set the stage for the upcoming Ballon d’Or voting, where his rivals will argue their own cases. The award ceremony is scheduled for later this year, and the football community will watch to see if his self‑assessment aligns with the voters’ decision.