Mashable: Cristiano Ronaldo only has 4 Ballon d’Or trophies despite winning 5

Portuguese star player Cristiano Ronaldo has started his new life in the Middle East. Apart from being the GOAT of football, Ronaldo has been admired and loved by many for his good deeds.

For a surprising reason, the football player who is also a 5-time Ballon d'Or winner reportedly only has 4 of his best player awards- and for a good reason.

According to Sportsbible, Cristiano Ronaldo only owns 4 Ballon d’Or trophies despite winning 5. The reason will make you respect CR7 more. Read ahead to know more.

The 38-year-old football player has won five Ballon d’Ors over his celebrated career but he elected to sell one of his replica trophies back in the year 2017. Those athletes who have had the honor of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or, typically hand over the replica version of the award to the club they won it while playing for. Alternatively, the Ballon d’Or ends up in their personal trophy collection or even museum.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo who now plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr reportedly asked for his 2013 Ballon d’Or to be donated to charity.

The 2013 Ballon d’Or was the Portuguese legend’s second in his career. With his win, Cristiano Ronaldo broke the four-year award-winning streak of his arch-rival Lionel Messi.

The award went to auction, with all the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish, the charity that helps children suffering from serious illnesses. The auction event took place in London and Idan Ofer, who was Israel’s richest person then, won the prize with an astonishing €600,000 bid.

The €600,000 raised was entirely donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfil the wishes of children with serious illnesses.

Ronaldo with this act back in 2017 won many hearts. His fans still admire the footballer for the same. The footballer’s 2013 Ballon d’Or win came with 27.99% votes, with Messi finishing second in the race earning 24.72%.

The Al Nassr star’s last Ballon d’Or came in the year 2017. Whereas, Lionel Messi won his last in the year 2023 after lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar trophy. The Argentine star has a total of eight Ballon d’Or to his name.