CRISTIANO RONALDO had been named in the FIFA World XI for the last 14 consecutive years – but that sensational run has come to an end.
World Cup winner Lionel Messi collected the FIFA The Best Men’s Player award for 2022, while Ronaldo didn’t even make the World XI squad.
But not only did Ronaldo not win the award or make the FIFA Fifpro squad.
Eagle-eyed fans are confused as to why the Portuguese icon didn’t cast his vote – despite all international captains being obliged to do so.
However, SunSport has solved the mystery below…
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo not vote?
The 38-year-old skippered Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, and there has been no announcement since to suggest that he has been stripped of the armband.
Fernando Santos was axed as Portugal boss shortly after their elimination, with Roberto Martinez being appointed in his place.
Rather than Ronaldo, centre-back Pepe voted as Portugal’s captain.
Upon his appointment, Martinez suggested that Ronaldo would be part of his plans moving forward – despite his predecessor Santos having dropped the Al-Nassr forward during the World Cup.
Who made the FIFA Fifpro World XI squad?
World Cup winner Lionel Messi was named in the squad after having such an incredible year.
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And Karim Benzema’s Ballon d’Or tied in with his Champions League win triumph saw him selected.
Courtois; Hakimi, Van Dijk, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Casemiro, Modrić; Leo Messi, Benzema, Haaland, Mbappé
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
