At 40 years old, Ronaldo holds the second-highest number of Ballon d’Or titles (five) in history, with Lionel Messi being the only player to surpass him with eight. ..Continue Reading
Manchester City’s Rodri, at 28, claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or, even though Real Madrid forward Vini Jr was widely regarded as the favorite leading up to the ceremony held in Paris, France, in October.
Vini Jr, 24, played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s double-winning campaign, which saw them secure both the La Liga title and the Champions League in the 2023/24 season.
The Brazilian is expected to be a strong contender for this year’s award, though his teammate Kylian Mbappé will also be in the running.
With no major international tournaments scheduled for this summer, Salah, 32, will be keen to secure his first Ballon d’Or, having already amassed 30 goals and 21 assists in 38 appearances for Premier League leaders Liverpool this season.
Despite this, Ronaldo did not include the Egyptian star when naming the four players he believes will clinch the Ballon d’Or in the coming years.
“I think [Kylian Mbappe] will do well,” said Ronaldo when speaking alongside Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel last year.
“The structure of the club [Real Madrid]… it’s nice, it’s good. They have a great coach and the president, Florentino [Pérez], who has been there many, many years.
“I think it won’t be a big problem because of his talent. Mbappé can be the next golden ball [Ballon d’Or] winner for the next years. Him, [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal]. This new generation has a lot of potential.
“Madrid is the kind of team they don’t rush under pressure. People say they’re lucky in the Champions [League]. No, they are not lucky. They’re prepared for this kind of moment. The Bernabeu has that different aura.
“Now, if you say that Madrid is going to be better or not, we don’t know. Mbappe is there now, I think Madrid will keep strong, but I don’t know if they will be better than last year. Only God knows.”
