The Best: Cristiano Ronaldo didn't vote

BeSoccer 1 year ago 9k |

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Ronaldo didn't vote for The Best. EFE

Leo Messi was crowned The Best world player of 2022 on Monday at a ceremony organised by FIFA in Paris. Despite all national team captains being able to vote, Cristiano Ronaldo decided not to, according to 'FootMercato', leaving his friend and vice-captain Pepe to take the baton.

Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi won FIFA's prize for the best player of the year on Monday at 'The Best' 2022, in turn disappointing teammate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The jury, which was composed of managers, captains and journalists, as well as fans from accross the world, were impressed by the Argentine's World Cup victory, during which he scored seven goals, helping his country to get their long-awaited third star.

Even though the majority of each national team captains voting, 'FootMercato' reported that Cristiano Ronaldo decided not to follow suit. The Portugal captain chose to give his vote to vice-captain and friend Pepe.

Therefore, the Porto centre-back and CR7's former teammate at Real Madrid voted for Mbappe first, Modric second and Benzema third. Portugal's five-time Ballon d'Or winner's eternal rival Messi didn't feature in Pepe's top three.

As for the eventual winner, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner voted for Neymar, Mbappe and Benzema, even when he had the option to put himself in the top three.

Here's a breakdown of how the representatives of each national side voted: