Janice R. Andrews
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have long been the defining figures of modern football, dominating individual awards for over a decade. While their on-field rivalry has captivated fans worldwide, their mutual respect off the pitch has often been overlooked. A closer look at Ronaldo’s voting choices for the FIFA Best Player award from 2016 to 2021 reveals fascinating insights into the players he admired during his peak years.
Ronaldo’s Voting History: A Testament to Respect and Rivalry
The FIFA Best Player award, reintroduced in 2016, has become one of the most prestigious accolades in football. Ronaldo and Messi have won the award multiple times, but their voting patterns show a surprising level of respect for their peers. Ronaldo’s choices reflect not only his appreciation for his teammates but also his acknowledgment of emerging talents and established stars.
Here’s a breakdown of the 11 players Ronaldo voted for during the first six years of the award:
1. Gareth Bale (2016)
Ronaldo’s first vote in 2016 went to his Real Madrid teammate, Gareth Bale. The Welsh winger played a pivotal role in Madrid’s historic “three-peat” in the UEFA Champions League from 2015 to 2017. Bale’s performance in the 2016 Champions League final, where he provided the assist for Sergio Ramos’ opening goal, was crucial to their victory.
Despite Bale’s heroics, the top three that year featured Ronaldo, Messi, and Antoine Griezmann. Ronaldo’s vote for Bale highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two during their time at Madrid.
2. Luka Modric (2016, 2017, 2018)
Luka Modric was a consistent presence in Ronaldo’s votes, appearing in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The Croatian midfielder was the engine of Real Madrid’s midfield, forming a formidable partnership with Toni Kroos. Modric’s crowning achievement came in 2018 when he won the FIFA Best Player award, breaking the decade-long dominance of Ronaldo and Messi.
Modric’s 2018 triumph was well-deserved, as he led Croatia to the World Cup final and won the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player. Ronaldo’s repeated votes for Modric underscored the midfielder’s importance to Madrid’s success.
3. Sergio Ramos (2016, 2017)
Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid’s defensive stalwart and captain, received Ronaldo’s vote in both 2016 and 2017. Ramos was instrumental in Madrid’s Champions League triumphs, scoring crucial goals and providing leadership at the back.
Although Ramos never made the top three for the FIFA Best Player award, he was consistently included in the FIFA World XI and UEFA Team of the Year during this period. Ronaldo’s votes for Ramos highlighted the defender’s impact on and off the pitch.
4. Marcelo (2017)
Marcelo, one of the best left-backs of his generation, earned Ronaldo’s vote in 2017. The Brazilian was a key figure in Madrid’s attacking play, contributing with assists and goals while maintaining defensive solidity.
Marcelo’s chemistry with Ronaldo on the left flank was a hallmark of Madrid’s success. His inclusion in the FIFA World XI and UEFA Team of the Year in 2017 validated Ronaldo’s choice.
5. Raphael Varane (2018)
In 2018, Ronaldo voted for Raphael Varane, who was at the peak of his powers. The French defender played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s third consecutive Champions League title and was equally impressive as France won the World Cup that year.
Varane’s performances earned him spots in the World Cup Team of the Tournament, FIFA World XI, and UEFA Team of the Year. Ronaldo’s vote for Varane reflected the defender’s importance to both club and country.
6. Antoine Griezmann (2018)
Ronaldo also voted for Antoine Griezmann in 2018, recognizing the French forward’s contributions to Atletico Madrid and the French national team. Griezmann was instrumental in France’s World Cup victory, scoring four goals and providing two assists during the tournament.
Although Griezmann didn’t make the top three in 2018, his consistent performances made him one of the best players of his generation.
7. Matthijs de Ligt (2019)
In 2019, Ronaldo made an unexpected choice by voting for Matthijs de Ligt, the young Ajax captain who led his team to the Champions League semi-finals. De Ligt’s fearless defending and leadership qualities impressed Ronaldo, who faced him in the quarter-finals while playing for Juventus.
De Ligt’s inclusion in Ronaldo’s vote showcased the Portuguese star’s appreciation for emerging talent.
8. Frenkie de Jong (2019)
Another Ajax standout, Frenkie de Jong, received Ronaldo’s vote in 2019. The Dutch midfielder was a revelation during Ajax’s Champions League run, earning praise for his composure and technical ability.
De Jong’s performances earned him a move to Barcelona, where he continued to shine. Ronaldo’s vote for de Jong highlighted the midfielder’s potential to become one of the best in the world.
9. Kylian Mbappé (2019, 2020, 2021)
Ronaldo voted for Kylian Mbappé three years in a row, signaling his belief in the French forward as the next global superstar. Mbappé’s explosive pace and goal-scoring ability made him one of the most exciting players in the world.
Although Mbappé didn’t make the top three until 2022, Ronaldo’s consistent votes for him reflected the Portuguese star’s admiration for the young talent.
10. Robert Lewandowski (2020, 2021)
Robert Lewandowski’s incredible goal-scoring form in 2020 and 2021 earned him Ronaldo’s votes in both years. The Polish striker was at the peak of his powers, leading Bayern Munich to multiple trophies and breaking numerous records.
Lewandowski’s 2020 FIFA Best Player award was a testament to his consistency and excellence. Ronaldo’s votes for Lewandowski acknowledged the striker’s dominance during this period.
11. Lionel Messi (2020, 2021)
In a surprising twist, Ronaldo voted for his long-time rival Lionel Messi in 2020 and 2021. While Messi only voted for Ronaldo once in 2019, Ronaldo’s inclusion of Messi in his votes highlighted the mutual respect between the two legends.
Messi went on to win the FIFA Best Player award in 2022 and 2023, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Respect and Recognition
Cristiano Ronaldo’s voting choices for the FIFA Best Player award reveal a deep respect for his teammates, rivals, and emerging talents. From Gareth Bale to Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s votes reflect his appreciation for excellence and his understanding of the game’s evolving landscape.
As Ronaldo and Messi continue to inspire the next generation, their mutual respect serves as a reminder of the values that make football the beautiful game.
