The Votes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best Awards Since 2010

 

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most celebrated footballers in history, and for many years, they’ve been rivals for the biggest individual awards in football: the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA Best Men’s Player award. These awards are given to players who perform exceptionally well during a calendar year, and voting often involves national team captains, coaches, journalists, and even the players themselves. Messi and Ronaldo, as national team captains for Argentina and Portugal respectively, have had the privilege to vote and reveal which players they admire the most. Let’s take a look at whom each has chosen since 2010 and what it says about their respect for fellow players.

1. How the Voting Process Works

For both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Men’s Player awards, the voting process includes national team captains, coaches, and a select group of journalists from around the world. Each voter typically has three picks, ranking their first, second, and third choices. Points are awarded based on their ranking, and the player with the highest points wins.

Messi and Ronaldo, as captains of Argentina and Portugal respectively, had a chance to vote for their top three choices almost every year since 2010. Their votes have often drawn attention because they reveal which players they respect or admire on the pitch.

2. Lionel Messi’s Voting Choices

Messi’s votes often reflect a sense of loyalty to teammates but also a respect for rivals. Here’s how he voted over the years:

2010–2012: Messi's votes frequently favored his Barcelona teammates, including Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. He often ranked them highly because they played a major role in Barcelona's success.

2013–2016: During these years, Messi included players like Neymar and Luis Suárez, who were also part of his club team. He did not, however, vote for Ronaldo during these years, showing he may have preferred voting for teammates and other players he admired in the league.

2017–2021: As Neymar moved to PSG, Messi continued to show admiration for him, and he also voted for younger talent like Kylian Mbappé. In 2019, Messi voted for Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, showing recognition of his defensive strength and impact in the Premier League.

2022: In recent years, Messi has shown appreciation for emerging stars, including Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema, who both performed well for their clubs.

Messi’s votes over the years suggest he values players he’s familiar with, such as teammates or opponents who left a strong impression through direct competition. He’s rarely voted for Ronaldo, though he once acknowledged that his long-time rival deserved his achievements.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Voting Choices

Cristiano Ronaldo has also made interesting choices over the years, often showing respect for his rivals but also favoring those who perform exceptionally.

2010–2012: Ronaldo’s votes were usually focused on high-performing players in La Liga, including Messi and players like Xavi and Iniesta, whom he respected despite their Barcelona ties.

2013–2016: Ronaldo often voted for his Real Madrid teammates like Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric. This reflected his loyalty to teammates and belief in their skill level.

2017–2021: Ronaldo also voted for players outside Real Madrid, like Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappé. In 2020, he voted for Lewandowski, acknowledging his impressive form with Bayern Munich.

2022: In his more recent votes, Ronaldo has sometimes shown a preference for younger talents, as he appreciates emerging players who could be the future stars of football.

Ronaldo’s voting choices have reflected his respect for hard work and success on the pitch, often valuing players he felt made a significant impact that year. While he has voted for Messi occasionally, he has often prioritized either his teammates or players who stood out in European competitions.

4. Patterns in Their Voting Choices

Though Messi and Ronaldo are rivals, they both tend to recognize excellence and respect for performance. Here are some key patterns:

Loyalty to Teammates: Both Messi and Ronaldo often showed loyalty to their teammates. Messi frequently voted for Barcelona teammates, while Ronaldo backed Real Madrid colleagues when he was there.

Respect for Rivals: Though rare, both have voted for each other, showing that despite their rivalry, they do respect each other’s achievements.

Appreciation for Emerging Talents: Both have voted for younger stars in recent years, such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. This suggests they recognize the next generation of talent.

Acknowledgment of Consistent Performers: Both players have occasionally voted for players who had outstanding seasons, such as Lewandowski, who impressed both of them with his goal-scoring abilities.

5. What Their Votes Say About Their Approach to the Game

Messi’s and Ronaldo’s voting patterns show how they each see the game. Messi often leans toward familiar players he’s worked with or competed against in La Liga. He appears to prioritize those he’s interacted with closely, perhaps as a nod to teamwork and collective success. Ronaldo, on the other hand, tends to value individual brilliance and determination, aligning with his own driven personality. His votes suggest a focus on players who achieve standout individual performances.

Conclusion

The votes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the years offer a unique insight into their perspectives on football and their respect for others in the sport. Both have shown loyalty to their teammates, acknowledgment of exceptional performances, and respect for young, rising stars. While their rivalry may continue on the field, their voting choices reflect a shared appreciation for the game and a respect for talent and hard work.