Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong as he approaches his 40th birthday. The leading goal-scorer in the Saudi Pro League last season continues to impress for Al Nassr, while his record as the leading men’s scorer in international football seems to be extended every month.
And yet, when it comes to the Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo is no longer really in the conversation. The 2024 award will be given out on October 28 at a star-studded event in Paris. Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or wins are second only to Lionel Messi in the all-time list, his long-running battle with the former Barcelona star helping to define an entire footballing era.
Of course, Ronaldo is technically capable of claiming a sixth award before he retires. Prior to 2007, the Ballon d’Or could only be won by players representing European clubs. That rule was then changed, meaning Ronaldo’s performances for Al Nassr in the 2023/24 club season, plus his efforts for Portugal at Euro 2024 and in other international fixtures, would have qualified him to be a contender for this year’s prize.
However, he will not win in 2024. In fact, he will likely not win the award again. The Sporting News explains why.
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In 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo cannot win the Ballon d’Or as he was not among the 30 players nominated by France Football for the award. In fact, it’s the first time since 2003 that neither Ronaldo nor Messi were among the nominees.
However, it’s still possible for Ronaldo to win the prize again before he retires, albeit the chances are slim.
The Ballon d’Or, which is awarded by French publication France Football, was originally only eligible to players of European birth playing for European clubs, but that was changed in 1995. That directly led to Liberia international George Weah of AC Milan becoming the first non-European player to win the award.
The rules were then changed again in 2007 to include players playing for teams based around the globe. That means Ronaldo, playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, or Messi, playing for Inter Miami, can be eligible for consideration.
That being said, it’s unlikely Ronaldo will manage to win another Ballon d’Or. It would be highly unusual for the award to be given to a player outside the top-five leagues in Europe, or to one not playing in the Uefa Champions League, as these competitions are considered the strongest in the world, meaning those players are more likely to earn nominations.
Relatively speaking, the Saudi Pro League is of a much lower standard, so Ronaldo would have to produce some truly remarkable individual performances to become a leading Ballon d’Or contender again in 2025.
Of course, he could have a stronger case in 2026 if he were to help Portugal win the FIFA World Cup for the very first time.
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It’s very difficult to see Ronaldo winning the Ballon d’Or again. Players at the biggest clubs in the UEFA Champions League and top European domestic leagues will naturally have an advantage over those performing in competitions of a lower standard.
However, it’s possible that Ronaldo could stake a claim for the prize in 2026, thanks to the World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Should the forward enjoy a strong domestic season with Al Nassr — or another club, if he decides to move elsewhere — and then plays a key role in Portugal becoming world champions, he would undoubtedly be a candidate to win his sixth Ballon d’Or.
Messi triumphed in 2023 off the back of his 2022 World Cup heroics with Argentina, so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Ronaldo could follow suit in 2026.
