Ballon d'Or: 4 Reasons Why Ronaldo Could Challenge for the Coveted Award Next Year

Following his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in January this year, Cristiano Ronaldo was widely anticipated to end his illustrious career discreetly, far removed from the European spotlight.

Nevertheless, it would be an oversight to assume that Ronaldo would exit the stage quietly.

After all, the Portuguese legend's career has been characterised by defying the odds and silencing his sceptics. This is where he finds his most profound comfort, and even at the age of 38, he remains true to his intrinsic character.

The Ballon d'Or stands as the paramount individual accolade in football, and Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time. Is it conceivable that he could once more lay his hands on the illustrious Ballon d'Or trophy before he retires?

Casemiro's stats: How has the Brazilian midfielder transformed Manchester United since joining the team?

Football

Although it may initially sound like a far-fetched notion, it is, in fact, well within his reach.

Sports Brief analyses four reasons why Ronaldo might contend for the Ballon d'Or in 2024.

4. AFC Champions League top scorer

At the moment, Ronaldo stands as the leading goal scorer in the ongoing Saudi Pro League season. This league has surged in prominence to become the most illustrious and star-studded in all of Asia, thanks to the arrival of numerous high-profile players this summer.

The Pro League teams have cemented their reputation as some of the most formidable contenders in this season's AFC Champions League, per Sportskeeda.

Should Ronaldo sustain his remarkable goal-scoring performance, he is poised to be a prime contender for the title of top scorer in this season's AFC Champions League. That will increase his chances of making the Ballon d'Or podium next year.

3. Saudi Pro League champions

Despite Ronaldo's impressive performance during the latter part of the 2022-23 season, Al-Nassr fell short of clinching the Saudi Pro League title, ultimately securing the second position in the standings, trailing champions Al-Ittihad by five points, per Reuters.

However, following their recovery from the disappointments of the previous season, Al-Nassr has embarked on a promising start to the new campaign. After nine league matches, they currently hold the third spot in the league standings, trailing the top position by a mere four points. Notably, Ronaldo currently leads the charts as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season, tallying 10 goals.

If he maintains his goal-scoring prowess and guides Al-Nassr to a league title, he would significantly enhance his chances of securing a sixth Ballon d'Or.

2. Euro 2024 champions

Ronaldo has netted nine goals and contributed with one assist during seven Euro qualifiers this year. He remains in top scoring form and is set to spearhead Portugal's attack in the upcoming competition next year.

Should Portugal emerge as the champions of the 2024 Euros, Ronaldo will have secured a significant trophy. If his personal accomplishments align with this success, he could position himself as a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or.

1. Euro 2024 Golden Boot winner

This achievement could serve as another significant milestone that might substantially enhance Ronaldo's prospects in the upcoming Ballon d'Or competition. Considering his current exceptional form, Ronaldo emerging as the leading goal scorer at Euro 2024 appears to be a plausible scenario.

Portugal, recognised as one of the initial frontrunners, is anticipated to make a formidable showing throughout the tournament. Ronaldo securing the Golden Boot in such a prestigious competition would undoubtedly place him among the contenders for the Ballon d'Or.

Messi leads Haaland in Ballon d'Or vote

Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported that with less than two weeks to go to the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Messi has taken an overwhelming lead in the fan vote for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

This was organised by France Football, a magazine owned by L'Equipe, responsible for dishing out the most lucrative individual award in football history.