'It’s a pity' - When Jose Mourinho explained why Messi will beat Ronaldo to Ballon d’Or titles

Outspoken tactician Jose Mourinho once put forth a theory regarding why Lionel Messi might win more Ballon d'Or awards compared to his age-old nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo enjoyed an incredible rivalry at the pinnacle of global football, collectively securing an astonishing 12 Ballon d'Or accolades between 2008 and 2017.

During this era, they set and broke numerous records, engaging in an intense competition to outperform each other in all aspects of the game.

The Ballon d'Or count became one of the primary metrics for evaluating their greatness. Although Ronaldo was the first among the two to claim this prestigious award in 2008, Messi has since overtaken the Portuguese phenom, amassing seven Ballon d'Or titles compared to Cristiano's five.

Jose Mourinho, now with AS Roma, believed that Messi's demeanour might have contributed to his advantage in the Ballon d'Or race.

"So if Cristiano doesn't win the Ballon d'Or, it is because he isn't very kind, doesn't sell his image very well, doesn't give interviews apologizing for strife with a teammate on the field," the 60-year-old said during his time as Real Madrid manager, as quoted by CristianoXtra.

Jose continued: "Ballon d'Or should be given to the best ones. Ballon d'Or should be given to those who deserve them. It's a pity I cannot vote because I wouldn't think twice."

Ronaldo under Jose Mourinho

Ronaldo accumulated goals, assists, and trophies at an astonishing rate during his time at Real Madrid, setting numerous records and solidifying his status as the club's greatest-ever player.

While CR7 had a successful period under Manuel Pellegrini, it was under Mourinho that the current Al-Nassr star's already impressive statistics reached astronomical heights.

Ronaldo under Jose Mourinho

Ronaldo accumulated goals, assists, and trophies at an astonishing rate during his time at Real Madrid, setting numerous records and solidifying his status as the club's greatest-ever player.

While CR7 had a successful period under Manuel Pellegrini, it was under Mourinho that the current Al-Nassr star's already impressive statistics reached astronomical heights.