Ronaldo’s Juventus chapter laid bare the relentless ambition that defines him, and former teammate Mehdi Benatia has now recounted a revealing story.
The Portuguese star arrived in Turin in summer 2018 after clinching a fifth Champions League medal with Real Madrid, only to see the year‑end awards slip away to a familiar face.
On December 3, 2018, Luka Modric broke a decade of Ronaldo‑Messi dominance by lifting the Ballon d’Or, honored for his Real Madrid heroics and Croatia’s historic World Cup run.
The midfielder also nabbed the World Cup Golden Ball, and the voting tallied 753 points for him, ahead of Ronaldo’s 476 and Griezmann’s 414, while Messi fell to fifth.
Ronaldo had secured the Ballon d’Or in 2016 and 2017, bringing his total to five, whereas Modric became Croatia’s first winner and the first outsider since 2007.
Benatia recalls Ronaldo’s reaction to the 2018 Ballon d’Or snub.
During a October 27, 2026 episode of France’s Les Affranchis Talk, Benatia recounted Ronaldo’s stunned reaction, noting the former Juventus defender could still feel the sting.
He stressed how the Portuguese legend was visibly crushed, insisting the award was the missing piece of an otherwise stellar season.
Benatia recalled that even after a Champions League triumph, seeing Modric take the prize left Ronaldo unsettled and far from okay.
Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates alongside Luka Modric.
Ronaldo’s unyielding pursuit of individual praise. Will this relentless chase shape his legacy beyond the pitch?
Benatia’s memory shines a light on the mindset behind Ronaldo’s drive, showing his hunger for personal accolades persisted beyond team glory. In my view, his obsession often overshadows collective success.
Ronaldo holding his 2013 Ballon d’Or.
The disappointment hit harder because Ronaldo had switched to Juventus expecting a fresh start after nine years in Madrid, only to watch his former club mate receive the honor.