Is Cristiano Ronaldo Among the 2025 Ballon d'Or Nominees?

Five Ballon d'Ors, a new title with Portugal, and more than 30 goals this season… you'd think Cristiano Ronaldo would be among the nominees for football’s most prestigious award. But will he attend the September 22 gala in Paris?

A Legend Off the List

As every year since 1958, France Football has revealed the 30 players shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or, and in this 2025 edition, one huge name is missing: Cristiano Ronaldo. At 40 years old, the all-time top scorer in modern football didn't make the cut, despite a season full of goals and another international title with Portugal.

The Al-Nassr superstar shined in the UEFA Nations League, scoring eight goals and playing a key role in Portugal’s title win over Spain in the final held in Germany. However, that achievement wasn’t enough to place him among the favorites for a trophy he has already lifted five times.

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Numbers That Weren’t Enough

In the 2024/25 season, CR7 played 2,886 minutes with Al-Nassr, scoring 27 goals in domestic competitions, although his team finished just third in the Saudi Pro League behind Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. In the AFC Champions League, he added eight more goals, proving his goal-scoring instincts remain sharp.

His performances with the national team were also impressive: eight goals and another continental title. But for the Ballon d’Or jury, his numbers weren’t enough, weighed down by the level of the league he plays in and his absence from top-tier international club tournaments.

Will He Attend the Gala?

Despite not being on the shortlist, many wonder whether Cristiano Ronaldo will attend the September 22 ceremony in Paris. With his legacy stronger than ever and a productive 2025 under his belt, his presence still looms large over the history of the Ballon d’Or.