He could have won more Ballon d'Or awards than Ronaldo, Messi — Rio Ferdinand hails underrated star

He could have won more Ballon d'Or awards than Ronaldo, Messi — Rio Ferdinand hails underrated star

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed the one player that could have been more successful than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that if Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario had avoided injuries, he could have won six or more Ballon d’Or awards in his career. 

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube podcast, Vibe with Five, suggested that Ronaldo might have added four more accolades to his two existing Ballon d’Or wins. 

Ronaldo in China canceled: Al-Nassr friendlies postponed due to injury

Ronaldo’s trip to China takes a bad turn as friendlies are postponed due to injury.


Ferdinand believes Ronaldo would have eclipsed CR7

Ronaldo Nazario of Brazil

This hypothetical achievement would have placed Ronaldo Nazario second on the all-time list, just behind Lionel Messi and one award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The Brazilian legend, popularly known as R9, to differentiate him from the Portuguese Ronaldo, suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, effectively shortening what could have been a long and hugely successful story.



Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo playing for thier countries || Imago

“If he doesn’t get injured, he probably gets six [Ballon d’Or awards], maybe more,” Ferdinand said.

Ronaldo was still successful, winning titles with club and country and being named World Footballer of the Year on two occasions.

Related content

‘It’s been years since you went to one’ — Argentine World Cup winner trolls Ronaldo for criticising Ballon d’Or and FIFA awards

Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments criticising recent awards won by Lionel Messi has not gone down well with one World Cup winner who trolled the Portugal football legend in a recent video


Brazil Icon Ronaldo Nazario Picks His All-Time Greats: Opts for Ronaldinho but Leaves Out Cristiano Ronaldo

Legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, revered for his spellbinding skills on the pitch from 1993 to 2011, has recently shared his views on the greatest footballers of all time.


'I proved Man Utd and Portugal wrong': Cristiano Ronaldo on his incredible Al-Nassr form

Al Nassr and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his incredible form for his club and country.


No credibility: Ronaldo rubbishes Messi’s latest Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards

Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his doubts over the credibility of the Ballon d’Or and FIFA the Best awards after arch-rival Lionel Messi claimed both accolades


He never gave me a second to breathe: Cristiano Ronaldo calls ex-Chelsea star 'toughest opponent'

Al Nassr and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the toughest defender he has come up against in his career.


Check Also

Arsenal

Quiz! Can you name every scorer from the last 20 North London derbies?

20 players to guess, eight minutes on the clock.  Remember to tweet your scores @FourFourTwo and share with …

Leave a Reply