Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't vote in Fifa Best award... and Pepe snubs Messi

884     0
Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't vote in Fifa Best award... and Pepe snubs Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't vote in Fifa Best award... and Pepe snubs Messi

CRISTIANO RONALDO did NOT vote in the Fifa Best Awards, despite international captains being entitled to do so.

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo wore Portugal's captain's armband in Qatar qhiddtiuhiqkkprw
Cristiano Ronaldo wore Portugal's captain's armband in QatarCredit: AP
Pepe voted in Ronaldo's place
Pepe voted in Ronaldo's placeCredit: Getty

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.

The former Real Madrid hardman, 40, voted for PSG star Kylian Mbappe as men's player of the year.

Mirror Football's Premier League team of 2022 as champions dominateMirror Football's Premier League team of 2022 as champions dominate

And he didn't even select old rival Lionel Messi in his top three - instead going for former Madrid team-mates Luka Modric and Karim Benzema in second and third respectively.

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.

He said: "I hope we can sit down with him and create the best team. It's a day of great satisfaction, but tomorrow we'll get down to business.

"We're going to start a footballing process to try to get to know all the players that could make it to the national team.

"We're going to give all the players an opportunity and respect all those who are already in the national team. Cristiano is one of them.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

"I'm delighted to be able to have them by my side. It's a process that we have to face naturally, with responsibility, and we're going to make important decisions for the team."

Despite being snubbed by Pepe, Messi romped to his second "The Best" award triumph - equalling Ronaldo's tally.

The 35-year-old was also named in the FIFPRO World XI, and attended the plush bash in Paris alongside wife Antonela and PSG team-mate Mbappe.

Beckham's Inter Miami plan dealt first blow which could block Messi transferBeckham's Inter Miami plan dealt first blow which could block Messi transfer

Upon accepting his latest gong, Messi said: "It is an amazing pleasure to be here, alongside Benzema and Mbappe, who had a wonderful year.

"It was an amazing year and I achieved a dream that I had been hoping for for so long.

"I want to pay tribute to all of my team-mates and my coach, without them I wouldn't be here."

Victorious Lionel Messi attended the bash alongside wife Antonela
Victorious Lionel Messi attended the bash alongside wife AntonelaCredit: Getty

Etienne Fermie

Portugal, FIFA, Pepe, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo

Read more similar news:

01.01.2023, 22:16 • Sport
PSG made to rue extended Messi holiday in crushing loss to Ligue 1 title rivals
02.01.2023, 09:00 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo's new manager at Al-Nassr says he wanted Lionel Messi first
02.01.2023, 11:53 • Sport
PSG boss responds to fears of hostile Messi reception as return date confirmed
02.01.2023, 12:00 • Sport
Pele's last words on Instagram were touching tributes to Messi and Mbappe
02.01.2023, 15:58 • Sport
Ronaldo jets off to Saudi Arabia as unveiling plans for transfer confirmed
02.01.2023, 22:15 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Newcastle clause' in Al-Nassr contract comes to light
03.01.2023, 08:33 • Sport
Messi's wife Antonela shows support for Shakira over bitter Gerard Pique breakup
03.01.2023, 12:57 • UK News
World Cup punter claims Coral 'won't pay out' after scooping £15k on £10 bet
03.01.2023, 15:53 • Sport
Ronaldo 'hires new manager' after snubbing Jorge Mendes in £26m commission deal
03.01.2023, 14:39 • Sport
How Messi can erase Ronaldo from Champions League history books after Saudi move