Cristiano Ronaldo skips Kopa Trophy vote for fifth time amid Ballon d’Or dispute

Cristiano Ronaldo has again declined to vote for the Kopa Trophy, extending his boycott of the award to a fifth occasion amid his long-running dispute with France Football.

The Al Nassr captain was among the former Ballon d’Or winners expected to take part in the voting process for the prize, which recognises the best player under the age of 21.

Instead, L’Equipe reported that Ronaldo did not submit a vote, joining former France internationals Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini in abstaining.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal won this year’s award after receiving the highest number of points. The presentation took place early on Tuesday morning in London as part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Ronaldo’s last vote for the Kopa Trophy came in 2021, when he selected England forward Mason Greenwood. He has not voted for the award since then.

The decision follows a public dispute between Ronaldo and Pascal Ferre, who was editor-in-chief of France Football at the time. The disagreement began after Ferre told the media that Ronaldo had informed him his greatest ambition was to finish his career with more Ballon d’Or titles than his long-term rival, Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

Those comments angered Ronaldo, who rejected Ferre’s account in a post on Instagram. The Portuguese player accused the former magazine editor of lying and attempting to use his name improperly.

Since the dispute, Ronaldo has not appeared at the Ballon d’Or ceremony as a contender, guest or voter for the Kopa Trophy winner.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also criticised France Football’s choices on several occasions. Ronaldo has not won the main award since his most recent success in 2017.