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via Imago

via Imago

While the echoes of Lionel Messi‘s eighth Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best triumphs still reverberate, Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo has chosen a different path. Not one of individual accolades, but of collective success. Despite clinching three prestigious awards, including the illustrious Maradona Award, the Portuguese who was the world’s top goal-scorer in 2023 remains unfazed by individual honors.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently expressed a sentiment that took center stage amidst the aftermath of Lionel Messi’s controversial FIFA The Best Men’s Player 2023 triumph. Let’s delve deeper to uncover CR7’s take on individual awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains focused on team’s success

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Amidst the star-studded ceremonies and awarding ceremonies, Cristiano Ronaldo emphasized remaining focused on his team’s success. After getting snubbed from FIFA The Best list this year, the Portuguese was asked if he believes whether or not he’ll lift the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best award again in his career.

Ronaldo claimed, “I always give my priority to my club and the national team. Individual awards come after a good season with the club and the national team. And honestly, I don’t think much about that.” The Al-Nassr star embodied his commitment to collective glory over personal feats. It is a perspective that adds further depth to his already strong character, setting the tone for his insatiable hunger for success.

Interestingly, with Lionel Messi clinching the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Best Men’s Player titles in 2023, Ronaldo’s statement becomes more intriguing. The 5x-Ballon d’Or winner laughed off these awards in an Instagram comment, emphasizing the decrease in value of these awards. In a recent interview with Record, Cristiano Ronaldo further stated, “The Ballon d’Or award and the Best award are losing credibility.”

READ MORE: Despite Son’s Thumping Header Goal, Cristiano Ronaldo Gives a Big Reality Check to Junior

However, despite making this bold claim, Ronaldo acknowledged Messi’s worthiness of winning these awards. He continued by underscoring the evolving nature of these individual honors, highlighting a broader concern.

Ronaldo’s resolute belief in numbers rather than accolades

Backing his perspective on numbers and stats, Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirmed that his recent Maradona Award win was a reminder of his numbers on the pitch. The Portuguese star took a dig at the FIFA Best Awards while defending his success at the Globe Soccer Awards.

“I did not watch the ceremony awards [FIFA The Best]. It is not to say Messi did not deserve it. I simply no longer believe in these awards. It’s not because I won at the Globe Soccer, but these are facts; the numbers are there and numbers don’t lie,” the Al-Nassr talisman claimed.

As fans grapple with the aftermath of Messi’s win, Ronaldo’s take introduces a new dynamic to the saga and ever-growing debate of GOATs. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo this year, as he gears up to silence his critics with his performance on the pitch once again.

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule

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