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Ronaldo’s Notable Omission From IFFHS Rankings
Cristiano Ronaldo, the celebrated Al-Nassr forward, was conspicuously absent from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics’ (IFFHS) top 10 players of 2023. Despite his ongoing status as one of football’s elite, Ronaldo did not make the list, which included his longstanding rival Lionel Messi and Manchester City’s striking sensation Erling Haaland.
Messi and Haaland in, Ronaldo Out
Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, was honored as the third best player of the year, while Erling Haaland claimed the top spot after a stellar season leading Manchester City to a historic treble. Ronaldo’s exclusion raised eyebrows among fans and sparked a debate on social media.
Ronaldo’s Cryptic Social Media Response
Upon discovering the top 10 list on Instagram, shared by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ronaldo left a cryptic comment consisting of three laughing faces and a monkey covering its eyes emoji. This reaction led fans to speculate that the Portuguese superstar was mocking his own exclusion from the prestigious ranking.
Fans Chime In With Mixed Reactions
The football community was quick to respond to Ronaldo’s comment. Some fans mocked him, suggesting age was catching up with the 38-year-old, while others sympathized with his situation, pointing out his impressive goal tally. The debate ranged from calling Ronaldo a “crybaby” to defending his record as the year’s top scorer.
Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Year Overlooked
Despite the snub, Ronaldo’s achievements on the pitch remain undiminished. He concluded the year as the world’s highest-scoring player, netting an incredible 53 goals in just 58 matches, surpassing the likes of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and even Haaland—the IFFHS’s top pick.
Not Ronaldo’s First Rodeo with Award Snubs
This incident is not the first time Ronaldo has publicly reacted to being overlooked for an award. Earlier in the season, he expressed his discontent online when Lionel Messi was awarded his eighth Ballon d’Or after Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar, hinting at a pattern of response from the Portuguese legend when it comes to accolades.
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