The relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s national team authorities has been eased by a new award recognising the forward as the finest player in Ballon d’Or history.
France Football announced on Wednesday that Ronaldo had won its BOAT award, honouring the best player among all Ballon d’Or winners. The award was based on his victory in 2008 while he was playing for Manchester United.
Ronaldo finished ahead of his long-standing rival Lionel Messi in the voting. The Argentina forward was second, represented by the Ballon d’Or he won in 2012 as a Barcelona player.
Portugal’s official account on X congratulated Ronaldo after the announcement, writing: “From 2008 to forever, the best Ballon d’Or ever is Portuguese. Congratulations, captain.”
The message offered a fresh link between Ronaldo and the Portugal team following a dispute during the previous international break.
Ronaldo did not play in Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway during that period. He then left the national team camp before the meeting with Denmark, prompting the Portuguese Football Federation to impose a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros.
The punishment is due to expire before the next international break.
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has nevertheless included Ronaldo in his initial extended squad for the international fixtures scheduled for November.
The decision leaves the 41-year-old in contention to continue his international career, with Ronaldo regarded as the most important player in the history of Portugal’s national team.
He has helped the country win three major honours: the 2016 European Championship, the 2019 UEFA Nations League and the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo is also Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer.
His latest individual recognition came as he continued to be identified with the 2008 Ballon d’Or, which he won during his time at Manchester United. France Football’s decision to place that achievement above the other winning campaigns in the vote also saw Ronaldo prevail over Messi, whose 2012 success with Barcelona earned him second place.
Portugal’s public tribute to its captain marked a notable change in tone after the events surrounding the previous camp. Ronaldo’s absence against Norway, his departure before the Denmark fixture and the subsequent disciplinary action had created tension between the player and the national team authorities.
With his suspension set to end before the November window, and with Jesus naming him in the extended preliminary squad, Ronaldo has been given a route back into Portugal’s plans. The national side will now decide whether to include him in the final squad for the upcoming international break.