Would You Believe It If Someone Told You CR7 Could Still Win the Ballon d’Or This Year? Here’s Why the Impossible Can Happen

When most people thought Cristiano Ronaldo’s era had come to a graceful close, the legendary Portuguese forward has shattered expectations — again. And now, whispers are turning into headlines: Could CR7 actually win the Ballon d’Or in 2025?

For most, the idea would’ve seemed laughable just a year ago. At 40 years old and playing in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, Ronaldo was considered a legacy figure — still iconic, but no longer in contention for football’s most prestigious individual honor.

But then… everything changed.

Here’s exactly why the “impossible” may not be so impossible after all.

⚽ 1. His Stats This Year Are Unreal

Let’s talk numbers. While many assumed his move to Al-Nassr would see a decline in competitive intensity, Ronaldo has posted video game-like statistics:

48 goals and 17 assists in all competitions

Top scorer in both the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League

9 goals in 7 appearances for Portugal in Euro 2024 qualifiers and final stages

A jaw-dropping hat-trick in the Club World Cup final, where Al-Nassr stunned European champions Real Madrid

These aren’t just impressive for a 40-year-old — they’re Ballon d’Or-worthy by any standard.

🌍 2. Club World Cup Glory Changed the Narrative

When Al-Nassr defeated Real Madrid 4–2 in the Club World Cup final, with Ronaldo scoring a historic hat-trick, the football world stopped and stared.

It wasn’t just a personal achievement — it was symbolic. Ronaldo had done what many claimed was impossible: bringing Saudi football to global dominance, and doing it against the biggest club in the world.

That single match reignited serious discussions across pundit panels:

“If the Ballon d’Or is about performance, impact, and moments — how do you leave him out?” said Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher.

🇵🇹 3. A Vintage Euro 2024 Performance

Though Portugal didn’t win the tournament, they made it to the semifinals, and Ronaldo’s influence was undeniable. From crucial late goals to emotionally charged performances, he led with heart and discipline.

And let’s not forget — he became the first player in history to score in six consecutive Euros, an astonishing feat that not only shows longevity, but historic greatness.

His leadership, resilience, and class were on full display, reminding the world why he’s always been more than just a goal machine.

🧠 4. The Narrative Factor: A Farewell Fairytale?

Let’s face it — football is about stories as much as stats. And there’s no better narrative in 2025 than a 40-year-old Ronaldo dominating world football once more.

A potential Ballon d’Or this year wouldn’t just be about his goals — it would be a celebration of legacy, reinvention, and defying age and expectation. A reward not just for one season, but for the impossible standard he continues to set.

Lionel Messi, his longtime rival, said it best in a recent interview:

“Cristiano is still proving people wrong. That’s what he does. You can never count him out.”

🏆 5. The Field Is Open This Year

With Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland having solid but unspectacular seasons, and no clear dominant figure leading Europe, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is more open than it has been in a decade.

While Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, and Vini Jr. have had standout moments, none have matched the combination of personal stats, global impact, and iconic performances that Ronaldo has delivered across multiple tournaments.

If the Ballon d’Or committee leans on influence, history, and decisive moments — CR7 could genuinely leap ahead.

🎤 What Are People Saying?

“If this were anyone else, he’d be the front-runner. It’s time to judge Cristiano by what he’s done, not where he plays.” — Rio Ferdinand

“It would be the greatest Ballon d’Or story of all time. He’s made us believe again.” — Fabrizio Romano

“Age? Irrelevant. Ronaldo is timeless.” — L’Équipe editorial

💥 Final Thought: This Is Cristiano Ronaldo

If we’ve learned anything over the last two decades, it’s that Cristiano Ronaldo lives where logic ends and legacy begins.

He wasn’t supposed to win the Euros in 2016.
He wasn’t supposed to return to Manchester United and still dominate.
He wasn’t supposed to thrive in Saudi Arabia — and he definitely wasn’t supposed to outshine Europe’s finest in 2025.

But he did. Again.

So, would you believe it if someone told you CR7 could still win the Ballon d’Or this year?

After everything he’s done — how could you not?