This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Published on September 18, 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Juventus forward, expressed his desire to end his soccer career with more Ballon d'Or awards than his Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi.
At 34, Ronaldo has achieved a remarkable feat, winning the prestigious France Football magazine trophy five times, tying him with Messi. However, he is eager to surpass his rival and cement his legacy as the greatest player of all time.
"Messi's in the history of football," Ronaldo said in an interview with Britain's ITV, referring to his long-standing rivalry with Messi. "But I think I have to have six or seven or eight to be above him," he added, emphasizing his determination to outdo his rival.
Ronaldo, who has played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, has also won five UEFA Champions League winners' medals and led Portugal to victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship and 2019 UEFA Nations League tournaments.
"I don't follow the records, the records follow me. I'm addicted to the success, and I don't think it's something bad, I think it's good," Ronaldo said, highlighting his drive for success.
