A barely veiled Instagram post, an always lively resentment … and a cold response from Cristiano Ronaldo who surprises everyone.
Franck Ribéry never digested the Ballon d’Or 2013. That year, the French winger had a historic season with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League. However, it was Cristiano Ronaldo, without the slightest collective trophy, which was sacred. Twelve years later, the injury is still long lively.
Recently, Ronaldo declared in an interview that “To win a Ballon d’Or, you absolutely have to win the Champions League”. Ribéry, visibly stung, replied with an enigmatic but impactful story:
🗨️ “So we have to win the Champions League to deserve a golden ball?”
A short message, but heavy with meaning.
This is not the first time that Ribéry has expressed himself on this subject. In 2013, he had already denounced the postponement of the vote organized by FIFA – extended just after Ronaldo’s hat -trick against Sweden in the World Cup dams:
🗨️ “They changed the deadline, Ronaldo marked a hat -trick, and everything changed. It was political, not sporty.”
At the time, Ribéry felt betrayed.“I won everything with Bayern, Ronaldo nothing. And yet … I was ignored.”
This feeling of injustice persists. For him, this Ballon d’Or was a recognition of collective effort and merit. What he did not get.
In contrast, Lionel Messi-arrived second that year-had adopted a more humble posture:
🗨️ “Cristiano has made a very good season. I respect this choice.”
But what was most surprised the fans recently is theCristiano Ronaldo reactionat the Story of Ribéry. When a journalist questions him on this subject, CR7 simply smiled and answered:
➡️ “Some do not know how to turn the page…”
An icy, almost contemptuous replica, which has only stitched fire in Ribéry supporters. Did the debate remain open: has the Ballon d’Or 2013 rewarded the best player … or the most influential?
