“Ronaldo has only one ambition, to retire with more Ballon d’Ors than Messi” - When Ballon d’Or chief made controversial claim about Cristiano Ronaldo

Former France Football editor-in-chief Pascal Ferre claimed in 2021 that Cristiano Ronaldo had just one aim in his career — to win more Ballon d'Or awards than Lionel Messi.

Speaking to the magazine, Ferre claimed that the Portuguese star made the confession to him in person.

"Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d'Or than Messi…. and I know that because he has told me," Ferre said.

Lionel Messi went on to beat Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d'Or in 2021, making it the seventh time he had won it. The Portuguese star has been stuck on five since 2017, when he last won the prestigious award while he was at Real Madrid.

Apart from the duo, only Luka Modric and Karim Benzema have won the Balon d'Or since 2007.

Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at France Football editor for Ballon d'Or claims

Cristiano Ronaldo was not happy with the comments from then France Football editor-in-chief Pascal Ferre and hit out on Instagram. He claimed it was a tactic used to boost interest in the award.

Ronaldo's post read:

"Today's outcome explains why Pascal Ferre's statements last week, when he stated that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Golden Balls than Lionel Messi. Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for. It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or. And he lied again today, justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist. I always want to congratulate those who win, within the sportsmanship and fair-play that have guided my career since the beginning, and I do it because I'm never against anyone."

He added:

"I always win for myself and for the clubs I represent, I win for myself and for those who love me. I don't win against anyone. The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country."

Lionel Messi went on to win one more Ballon d'Or in 2023, taking his tally to eight.