Cristiano Ronaldo’s Shocking Decision to Sell His Ballon d’Or Trophy
When Cristiano Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d’Or award in 2013, it was a moment to cherish for the Portuguese star. But what happened to the trophy? In a shocking move, Ronaldo decided to auction off his golden prize, and the sale was a major talking point in the football world.
Typically, footballers who win the Ballon d’Or hand over a replica version of the trophy to their club or keep it for their personal trophy collection. However, Ronaldo took a different route and put his 2013 Ballon d’Or up for auction. And what a decision it turned out to be!
Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or in 2013 with a staggering 27.99% of the vote, edging out Lionel Messi, who finished second with 24.72%. The victory marked a significant moment for Ronaldo, as it ended Messi’s four-year dominance of the award.
But what happened to the trophy? In 2017, Ronaldo decided to put his 2013 Ballon d’Or on the auction block, and the sale was a massive success. The trophy fetched a whopping €600,000, with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish, a charity that grants wishes to children suffering from serious illnesses.
The auction took place in London and was won by Idan Ofer, Israel’s richest person. Ofer posed with the trophy alongside Ronaldo’s long-time representative, Jorge Mendes.
This move by Ronaldo set a new precedent in the football world. While trophies are often kept by the winners or donated to museums, Ronaldo’s decision to auction off his Ballon d’Or sent shockwaves through the football community.
But Ronaldo’s move has also sparked a debate. Should footballers keep their trophies or donate them to charity? While some might argue that trophies are symbols of personal achievement, others might say that they serve as a reminder of past glories.
In reality, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some footballers choose to keep their trophies as a reminder of their hard work and dedication, while others might prefer to donate them to charity or auction them off to raise funds.
In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to sell his Ballon d’Or trophy was a bold move that sent shockwaves through the football world. Whether you agree with his decision or not, one thing is certain – it sparked a debate that will continue to rage on.
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