The legendary Ronaldo, known as “R9,” won the Ballon d’Or twice in his celebrated career. He didn’t hold back when listing six other players he believed were equally deserving of the esteemed award.
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The Brazilian striker’s club career included stints at PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan.
In 1996, after a prolific period at PSV Eindhoven, he joined Barcelona, only to break the world transfer record a year later when he signed for Inter Milan in 1997. ..Continue Reading
It was during his time with Inter that he claimed his first Ballon d’Or.
In 2002, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid for €46 million, becoming part of the famous “Galacticos” squad alongside stars like David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, and Luis Figo. That same year, he won his second Ballon d’Or.
After Madrid, he had further spells at AC Milan and Corinthians before retiring in early 2011.
On the international stage, Ronaldo helped Brazil win two World Cups (1994 and 2002) and scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for his country.
Now 48, Ronaldo once came close to winning the Ballon d’Or in 1996, finishing as runner-up to Matthias Sammer, with Alan Shearer in third.
Reflecting on others he thought deserved the award, he named Italian forwards Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti, as well as AC Milan’s legendary defender Paolo Maldini.
Ronaldo also felt that his former Real Madrid teammates, Roberto Carlos and Raul, could have been worthy winners.
He said: “Del Piero, Totti, Maldini, Raul Gonzalez… and I think Roberto Carlos, too, because he was twice behind me in the voting.
“I think these players deserved [the Ballon d’Or].
As well as this quintet, he feels recently retired Spain and former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta also deserved to claim the award.
Speaking to radio station Cadena Ser as per Spanish publication Sport, Ronaldo said: “Iniesta deserved a Ballon d’Or, but he doesn’t need it, he already has an incredible list of trophies and a great career.
“He is the best Spanish player of all time. I thank him for his quality, his football and his generosity.”
