According to midfielder Bernardo Silva, the senior in the Portuguese team Cristiano Ronaldo many times was not satisfied with the results of the Ballon d’Or vote.
“I was with the team two or three times when Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or. We congratulated him. But when he didn’t win, he wasn’t happy and said to everyone: ‘I think I am. more deserving’,” Silva told L’Equipe (France).
Ronaldo has won a total of five Golden Balls – the individual title is considered the highest in the football world voted by France Football magazine. But since leaving Real in 2018, he has not once won the title. Meanwhile, with a victory in 2022, Lionel Messi cements his position as the number one contemporary with seven Golden Balls.
Bernardo Silva gave an interview to L’Equipe on May 12. Photo: L’Equipe
While Ronaldo has moved away from top football, when he moved to Saudi Arabia to play, Messi continues to be the leading candidate for the 2023 Golden Ball. Thanks to his victory in the 2022 World Cup – where he contributed seven goals and three assist. Since last year’s tournament in Qatar, Messi has won The Best from FIFA and the Laureus World Sports Awards, which are known as “Sports Oscars”.
Silva commented: “If Erling Haaland wins the Champions League, you can bring him into the discussion about the Ballon d’Or. You can say the same about Vinicius, if Real win the Champions League. Overall, that’s the thing. between Messi and the Champions League winner. For now, I will choose Messi.”
Kylian Mbappe once scored a hat-trick in the final and was the top scorer of the 2022 World Cup, but according to Silva’s prediction, the French striker entered the Top 5 Golden Balls but could not surpass Messi.
Haaland is not in the World Cup, but is booming at club level. He currently owns 51 goals in 47 matches in the 2022-2023 season, helping Man City lead the Premier League, reach the semi-finals of the Champions League and the final of the FA Cup. If they win all, Man City will become the second English club to win the treble.
Vinicius is also having a successful season at club level. The 22-year-old Brazilian striker scored 23 goals in 51 matches, helping Real win the King’s Cup and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. In the semi-final first leg draw with Man City 1-1, it was Vinicius who opened the scoring for Real.
