Benatia Reveals Ronaldo’s 2018 Ballon d’Or Obsession After Move to Juventus
Former Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction to Luka Modrić’s 2018 Ballon d’Or triumph
During a recent episode of the French football discussion programme Les Affranchis Talk, former Juventus centre‑back Mehdi Benatia recounted a vivid memory that underscores Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of personal accolades. Speaking alongside ex‑France international Samir Nasri and host Walid Acherchour, Benatia described how the Portuguese star struggled to accept Luka Modrić’s victory at the 2018 Ballon d’Or, a moment that highlighted Ronaldo’s deep‑seated need for individual recognition even after a season filled with team triumphs.
Background: A season of glory, a personal disappointment
Ronaldo arrived in Turin in the summer of 2018 after a highly successful spell at Real Madrid, where he had just lifted a fifth Champions League trophy. The transfer was expected to mark a new chapter for the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner, who was still hungry for further individual honours. However, the end‑of‑year awards delivered an unexpected twist.
On 3 December 2018, Luka Modrić – Ronaldo’s former midfield partner at Real Madrid – was crowned the world’s best player. The Croatian’s award was built on two major achievements: a third consecutive Champions League title with Madrid and a historic run that saw Croatia reach the World Cup final in Russia, where Modrić also collected the tournament’s Golden Ball. In the final voting, Modrić amassed 753 points, surpassing Ronaldo’s 476 and Antoine Griezmann’s 414. Lionel Messi, who had dominated the award for the previous decade alongside Ronaldo, finished fifth.
Modrić’s win was significant for several reasons. He became the first Croatian to claim the Ballon d’Or, the first player outside the Ronaldo‑Messi duopoly to do so since 2007, and the first to win the prize based largely on a World Cup performance.
Benatia’s recollection of Ronaldo’s reaction
Benatia, who shared a dressing‑room with Ronaldo during the 2018‑19 season at Juventus, recalled the intensity of the Portuguese star’s disappointment. “He was genuinely hurt,” Benatia said. “Ronaldo had a massive season with Real Madrid, winning the Champions League, and then he moved to Juventus expecting a fresh start. Seeing Modrić take the Ballon d’Or left him unsettled.”
The former defender emphasized that Ronaldo’s frustration went beyond a simple loss of an award. “He was a guy who was dying for the Ballon d’Or,” Benatia added, echoing the forward’s well‑known drive to be recognised as the best player in the world, year after year.
Why the 2018 award mattered to Ronaldo
- Continuity of dominance: Prior to 2018, Ronaldo had secured the Ballon d’Or in 2016 and 2017, bringing his total to five. Adding a sixth would have reinforced his standing in the ongoing rivalry with Lionel Messi.
- Validation of his move to Italy: After nine seasons in Madrid, the Juventus transfer was presented as a fresh challenge. Winning the award in his first year in Serie A would have underscored his ability to dominate in multiple leagues.
- Personal benchmark: Ronaldo has repeatedly expressed that individual accolades are a measure of his work ethic and dedication, complementing his team successes.
What the episode tells us about Ronaldo’s mindset
Benatia’s testimony offers a window into the psychological makeup of a player who constantly seeks to outdo himself. Even after achieving the pinnacle of club football – multiple Champions League titles – Ronaldo’s ambition remained anchored in personal recognition. The 2018 Ballon d’Or snub, according to Benatia, left a lasting impression on the Portuguese forward, illustrating how deeply he values being acknowledged as the world’s premier talent.
While the disappointment was palpable, it also highlighted Ronaldo’s competitive nature, a trait that has defined his career from his early days in Portugal to his later years in England, Spain and Italy. The episode underscores that, for Ronaldo, the pursuit of excellence is never fully satisfied by collective trophies alone.
Conclusion
Mehdi Benatia’s recollection of Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction to Luka Modrić’s 2018 Ballon d’Or win adds a personal dimension to a historic moment in football. It reminds fans that behind the glittering awards and headline‑making transfers lies a fierce desire for individual validation. As Ronaldo continues to chase further accolades, the 2018 episode remains a reminder of how intensely he chases the spotlight, even when surrounded by team triumphs.
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