Home / Sports / Ronaldo Out: FIFA Award Vote Snubbed
Ronaldo Out: FIFA Award Vote Snubbed
17 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Cristiano Ronaldo was ineligible to vote in FIFA awards due to suspension.
- Bernardo Silva cast Portugal's votes, choosing Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Dembele.
- Claudio Marchisio contrasted Ronaldo's work ethic with Messi's natural talent.
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese national team, was excluded from voting in this year's FIFA The Best awards. His suspension, stemming from a red card in a November qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, prevented his participation. The armband was passed to Bernardo Silva for subsequent matches, allowing him to cast Portugal's votes.
Bernardo Silva's choices placed compatriot Vitinha first, followed by Nuno Mendes, and then eventual winner Ousmane Dembele. Ronaldo's absence from the voting process occurred despite his history of speaking out against individual awards and his past affiliations with clubs like Juventus, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
Separately, former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio commented on the differing paths to greatness for Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Marchisio emphasized Ronaldo's self-made success through rigorous training, contrasting it with Messi's perceived divine talent, suggesting Ronaldo is a superior role model for aspiring athletes.
