Ribéry Rekindles the 2013 Ballon d’Or Controversy: “Betrayed by Ronaldo,” Takes Aim at CR7 with Explosive Instagram Post

Title: Ribéry Rekindles the 2013 Ballon d’Or Controversy: “Betrayed by Ronaldo,” Takes Aim at CR7 with Explosive Instagram Post

Twelve years have passed, but the wound remains fresh for Franck Ribéry. The French winger, who dazzled the football world in 2013 with Bayern Munich, has once again stirred controversy by revisiting one of the most disputed Ballon d’Or decisions in football history. Despite a treble-winning season with Bayern—lifting the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League—Ribéry was overlooked, with Cristiano Ronaldo claiming the prestigious award.

Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo gave an interview where he boldly stated, “To win the Ballon d’Or, you must win the Champions League.” The comment didn’t go unnoticed. Ribéry, visibly provoked, took to Instagram with a short yet cutting story that read:
🗨️ “So we have to win the Champions League to deserve a Ballon d’Or?”
Just one sentence—sharp, bitter, and filled with resentment.

This cryptic message sent shockwaves across social media, reopening a debate that many believed had been laid to rest. But for Ribéry, the pain is personal. He’s always felt robbed, betrayed not just by the system, but by the very player who benefitted from it.

In 2013, FIFA extended the Ballon d’Or voting deadline after Ronaldo’s hat-trick performance against Sweden in the World Cup playoffs. Ribéry saw that move as politically motivated, not sport-based.
🗨️ “They changed the deadline, Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, and everything changed. It was political, not sporting,” Ribéry said at the time.

The Frenchman had dominated that season with Bayern, leading the charge as the Bavarian club steamrolled through Europe. On paper, it seemed like the Ballon d’Or was his to lose. Yet, when the votes were counted, he found himself ignored. “I won everything with Bayern, Ronaldo won nothing. And yet, I was snubbed,” Ribéry recalled bitterly.

To Ribéry, that trophy wasn’t just personal—it was a symbol of collective glory. It was about team effort, sacrifice, and success. He believed the Ballon d’Or should reward overall achievement, not just individual brilliance or popularity.

In contrast, Lionel Messi, who came second in the Ballon d’Or rankings that year, displayed humility.
🗨️ “Cristiano had a great season. I respect the choice,” Messi had said, showing acceptance where Ribéry saw betrayal.

But what shocked fans the most was Ronaldo’s icy response to Ribéry’s recent jab. When asked about the story by a journalist, CR7 smiled coldly and simply stated:
➡️ “Some people don’t know how to move on…”

A short sentence, but one that carried a wave of dismissal, perhaps even disdain. For many, it was a classic Ronaldo reply—confident, unapologetic, and controversial.

The response only added fuel to the fire. Ribéry’s supporters were quick to defend him, reigniting the argument that the 2013 Ballon d’Or was unfairly awarded. Forums, social media, and football pages were flooded with debates: Was the Ballon d’Or given to the best player or to the most marketable star?

This isn’t the first time Ribéry has vocalized his frustration. Over the years, he’s made multiple references to the 2013 snub, each time reigniting discussion around FIFA’s voting process and the politics surrounding major football awards.

It’s worth noting that 2013 was a pivotal year for Ribéry. At the peak of his powers, he was unplayable. His dribbling, vision, and tenacity made him a nightmare for defenders. In many ways, he was Bayern’s heartbeat, and the team’s triumphs were a direct reflection of his brilliance on the pitch.

Yet, in the world of football, public image and narratives often shape perception. Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Sweden was seen as a heroic effort to take Portugal to the World Cup. That moment, immortalized in headlines and highlight reels, arguably overshadowed a year of consistent excellence from Ribéry.

Many fans still believe that if the voting deadline hadn’t been extended, Ribéry would have lifted the Ballon d’Or. Instead, that extension allowed Ronaldo to swoop in with perfect timing—and clinch the prize.

Now, more than a decade later, Ribéry is using modern platforms to have his say. Instagram stories, for all their fleeting nature, have become powerful tools of expression. And with just a few words, he managed to shake the football world once again.

Whether or not Ribéry’s outcry will change anything is unlikely. But it’s clear he will never forget—or forgive—what he perceives as one of football’s greatest injustices.

As for Ronaldo, his ability to shrug off criticism and stand by his legacy remains part of his character. Love him or hate him, CR7 knows how to command attention and stay in control of the narrative.

Still, the debate rages on: Did Ronaldo truly deserve the 2013 Ballon d’Or? Or did Ribéry fall victim to the politics of modern football? One thing is certain—this story is far from over.