“He Didn’t Perform” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Snub After Al Nassr Move Justified, Says Ex-Manchester United Star

Not every soccer pundit and fan thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is still at the very top of the game. Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr earlier in January 2023 after a fallout with Manchester United, in a move worth over $500 million. An ex-Manchester United veteran recently went viral with his comments on the Portuguese soccer legend. He suggested that a drop in Ronaldo’s performances was likely the reason that he wasn’t nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

The pundit who made the comments is none other than Robbie Savage. The tenacious midfielder played for the Red Devils between 1993 and 1994. Nevertheless, Savage didn’t hold back while speaking about Ronaldo’s being left out of the Ballon d’Or nominee list.

Robbie Savage thinks Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or snub was ‘probably correct’

Ronaldo has been omitted from the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for the first time in 20 years. Recently, ex-Manchester United star Robbie Savage suggested that CR7 simply hasn’t been performing at his topmost levels. Despite having a decent run of form after moving to Saudi Arabia, Savage felt that his half-season in England held more weight.

In a conversation with Planet Sport, Savage said, “For the first time in 20 years there’s no Cristiano Ronaldo and to be fair, that’s probably correct. Half the season at Manchester United he didn’t perform to what we know Cristiano Ronaldo can do”. He continued, “Then goes to Saudi, scores goals but scoring goals in a Saudi league for half a season doesn’t nominate you for the Ballon d’Or.”

Savage then deemed that this was the right decision. He concluded, “I think it’s right that Cristiano Ronaldo was not in it for the first time in 20 years”. The mercurial Ronaldo has shown some signs of regaining his best in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese icon has scored 20 goals in 20 appearances for Al Nassr in the SPL. Currently, he’s on international duty with Portugal.

Just yesterday, Ronaldo missed out on celebrating a major achievement with Portugal. While they steamrolled past Luxembourg, the soccer veteran couldn’t play. But why? Let’s dive deeper.

Also read: Hours After Cristiano Ronaldo Ditched Portugal for Saudi, 39YO Veteran Contradicts CR7’s Stance

Cristiano Ronaldo misses on left out of Portugal’s record-breaking milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo missed what was a historic night for his country Portugal. CR7 was suspended for his country’s 9-0 win over Luxembourg because of his accumulation of yellow cards. The Portuguese national side recorded what was their biggest-ever win in a competitive game. hitting 9 past a hapless Luxembourg. Liverpool’s Diogo Jota scored a brace netting in the 57th and 77th minute.

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scored in the 83rd minute. While Joao Felix, who recently completed his move to Barcelona, also scored in the 88th minute. The other goals came from Goncalo Inacio, Goncalo Ramos, and Ricardo Horta. However, things weren’t as happy a few days ago. Portugal struggled in their previous Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovakia, despite winning 1-0.

It was a game where Ronaldo was heavily slated for his poor performance. What do you think about his current form and snub from the Ballon d’Or nominations? Let us know in the comments below!

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