‘It is not important anymore’ — Cristiano Ronaldo gives up on chasing Messi’s Ballon d’Or record

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that individual awards, like the Ballon d'Or, are no longer a priority for him. 

At 39, the Al Nassr forward has shifted his focus toward helping his team and savouring the final years of his career in Saudi Arabia. 

In a recent press conference, following Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League, Ronaldo shared his current mindset, choosing to focus more on the team’s success than personal glory.

Reflecting on his legendary career, Ronaldo noted that breaking records no longer motivates him, saying “It is not important anymore whether I am the best or not, I no longer care about that. 

“I am used to breaking records, and I no longer look for them. The most important thing for me now is to enjoy and help Al Nassr and my teammates to win.”

Ronaldo also shared a personal moment from the match against Al Rayyan, where he scored a crucial goal for Al Nassr, but also for personal reasons. 

“My goal against Al Rayyan was different and important because my father would have been happy with it if he was alive, as today [yesterday] is his birthday,” Ronaldo revealed.

As Ronaldo enters the twilight of his career, his focus on team success and his emotional connection to his performances show a player still passionate about the game, but less concerned with chasing individual accolades like the Ballon d'Or.

With 901 career goals and a record 35 goals in a single Saudi Pro League season, Ronaldo has little left to prove on the pitch. 

The Portugal star has been a league champion in Spain with Real Madrid, England with Manchester United, and Italy with Juventus, while also being a Euros and UEFA Nations League champion with Portugal. 

Ronaldo has also won the Ballon d’Or on five occasions, while also securing four European Golden Boots, however, he now remains committed to contributing to his team’s success.