The Ballon d’Or conversation has sparked debate among fans and analysts after Vincent Garcia, the French football editor in chief, explained that the committee responsible for shortlisting candidates did not even consider Cristiano Ronaldo for the award. Garcia stressed that Ronaldo’s name did not enter the discussion as the process moved forward, underscoring that Ronaldo did not shine at the World Cup and does not play in the sport’s most globally recognized league.
Garcia nevertheless acknowledged Ronaldo’s lasting impact, noting that his talent and career accomplishments remain undeniable. The message was clear: success in this particular season did not meet the committee’s criteria for a shortlist entry, regardless of Ronaldo’s storied status in world football.
At the World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo appeared in five matches for Portugal and converted one goal from the penalty spot. The tournament showcased the broader narrative of the event, with Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup trophy for Argentina and earning the festival’s top player honor by tallying seven goals during the tournament.
As France Football prepared to present the finest player award, initial reports indicated the ceremony would occur on October 30, 2023. The same period saw rapid speculation in the football press about which players would stand on the podium that year.
Looking at the frontrunners, the triad of Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, Erling Haaland of Manchester City, and Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain dominated early discussions among journalists and fans. Yet, even with a strong case for all three, the consensus leaned toward Messi as the likely winner, given his leadership on the field and the impact he demonstrated across major competitions. The debate highlighted how individual awards are influenced by a blend of club form, international milestones, and the prestige attached to recent triumphs. Some observers argued that Mbappe and Haaland, who had outstanding seasons, could pose a formidable challenge in a season that favored high-scoring campaigns and memorable moments.
In the prior year, Karim Benzema secured the Ballon d’Or, marking a notable triumph for French football. The award often reflects a balance between personal statistics and the broader narrative of a player’s role within their team during the eligibility period. This mix remains a central theme as voters weigh contributions from domestic leagues, continental competitions, and national team performances.
Earlier discussions included opinions from Konstantin Tyukavin about identifying a football star who would be singled out for the Golden Ball in the current cycle. The comments added to the ongoing discourse surrounding how voters assess consistency, influence, and the ability to perform on the sport’s biggest stages. The dialogue emphasized that the selection process looks for a player who can deliver excellence across multiple fronts, not merely accumulate statistics in a single setting.