Did Real Madrid Prevent Ronaldo from Winning the 2018 Ballon d'Or?

In 2018, the Ballon d'Or was awarded to Luka Modric, who had only scored 3 goals and provided 11 assists for his team. While Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the standout performer of the year, scoring 49 goals in 53 matches and adding 13 assists, it raises the question of what factors may have prevented Ronaldo from winning his sixth Ballon d'Or.

The 2018 Golden Ball: Modric's Triumph and Ronaldo's Struggle

Modric's success in 2018 primarily hinged on his World Cup performance. Despite not being the most recognizable name among the Real Madrid squad, Modric led his team to the final. His exceptional play was instrumental in Croatia’s unprecedented run to the final, where they narrowly lost to France. In addition, Modric contributed a key goal in the Champions League final and another in the 2018 Copa del Rey, further cementing his case as the best player in Europe that year.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, had a stellar individual performance. He scored an awe-inspiring hat-trick against Spain, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess, and even provided a crucial header against Morocco to help his team through to the last 16. However, his team’s eventual defeat to Uruguay in the last 16 highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s contribution to the 2017-18 Champions League was equally impressive, with 15 goals in the competition.

Ronaldo's Placement and the Controversy Surrounding the Award

Although Ronaldo also won the Champions League in 2018, his overall performance did not overshadow his teammates in the eyes of the committee. Many believe that his later transfer to Juventus weakened his award chances, as adapting to a new league takes time. Additionally, the organizers of the Ballon d'Or were tired of a 10-year Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, leading them to consider candidates who did not have such a long-standing rivalry.

While Ronaldo's 2018 performance was spectacular, the committee sought to recognize the underdog story of Luka Modric, who led Croatia to historically significant results in the World Cup. This served as a fresh narrative, potentially more appealing to those who were looking for a change from the two established superstars.

The Role of Real Madrid

Some have questioned whether Real Madrid played a role in Ronaldo's failure to win the Ballon d'Or. However, it is crucial to recognize that the Ballon d'Or is not decided by a team's performance but rather the individual performances of international captains and coaches. Real Madrid's success during the 2017-18 season certainly did not detract from Ronaldo's achievements, but it is also true that individual accolades often hinge on personal performance and the narrative spun by media and the voting committee.

While Ronaldo's team won the Champions League in that season, his personal stats, such as his 15 goals in the Champions League and crucial goals as Real Madrid battled towards their final, still did not manage to overshadow Modric's compelling World Cup campaign.

Ultimately, the awarding of the Ballon d'Or in 2018 highlights a complex interplay of individual achievements, team success, and public perception. In this case, it was Modric's unique journey with his national team that secured him the prestigious award.