Why Cristiano Ronaldo didn't vote in FIFA Awards despite being Portugal captain

Al Nassr star Ronaldo was a glaring omission from the ceremony despite being eligible due to his status as Portugal's captain.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner closed out his 2024 with a tally of 43 goals after scoring in his side's 2-1 defeat against Al Ittihad.

However, Ronaldo was snubbed from the Best FIFA Men's Player shortlist, having won the top prize in each of its first two years.

Since then, the 39-year-old has seen long-term rival Messi usurp him by being honoured three times and was even nominated last night.

The Argentine finished sixth after winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami and helping his country defend their Copa America crown.

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Ronaldo's long-term heir at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior, ultimately earned his Ballon d'Or redemption by pipping Rodri to the prize.

The Brazilian scooped his first Best FIFA Men's Player award ahead of the Manchester City star, while Jude Bellingham finished third.

Dani Carvajal and Messi's successor Lamine Yamal were fourth and fifth, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe also in the top ten.

The Best Awards are FIFA's equivalent to the Ballon d'Or, with national team coaches and captains among the people allowed to vote.

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Ronaldo is usually the designated captain for Portugal but voting records released by FIFA showed he abstained from picking a winner.

Instead, Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva assumed the responsibility - and predictably opted for clubmate Rodri.

It comes after Ronaldo, who similarly refuses to vote for the Ballon d'Or, was accused of being upset with award rulings in recent years.

France Football editor Vincent Garcia, whose publication founded the Golden Ball, confirmed Ronaldo had passed up his right to vote.

He told The Times: "Winners have the right to come back to all future ceremonies but they don't all come, some are very upset with us.

"I don't know for certain Cristiano is, I don't talk to him directly, but I know for example that former winners vote for the Kopa Trophy - for the best young player - and Cristiano didn't vote last year and he didn't vote this year either."

Ronaldo, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in December 2022, was left off the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist last year for the first time since 2003.

The Portuguese superstar is a five-time recipient of the award but has not won it since 2017.

This year also marks the first time in over two decades that neither Ronaldo or Messi made the 30-man shortlist.

The latter did exercise his right to vote in FIFA's Best awards though, with Yamal his top pick ahead of Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Aitana Bonmati claimed the Best Women's Player, with Emiliano Martinez and Carlo Ancelotti also lifting the top honours.

Emma Hayes was named best women's coach while Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas award for his stunner against Everton.

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