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September 5, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo once auctioned off a replica of his 2013 Ballon d’Or to Israel’s wealthiest businessman, Idan Ofer, raising £532,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Typically, footballers keep their Ballon d’Or replicas, donate them to museums, or hand them over to their clubs. However, with an extensive collection of team and individual accolades,
Ronaldo chose to use this prestigious award to support charity. Even at 39 years old and still playing the Portuguese icon continues to find ways to make a positive impact beyond the football field.
In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest right-footed players in football, sold his 2013 Ballon d’Or replica to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The trophy, marking his second career Ballon d’Or, held extra significance as it broke Lionel Messi’s four-year winning streak.
Despite its sentimental value, Ronaldo auctioned the award, fetching an impressive £532,000 (€600,000) in London. The proceeds went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which supports children battling serious illnesses.
This gesture mirrored similar charitable acts by legends such as Alfredo Di Stefano, who also auctioned his Ballon d’Or trophies for notable causes.
Now playing for Al-Nassr in the Middle East, Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist marks the first time in 20 years he hasn’t been in contention for the prestigious award. The Sporting CP graduate, who spent over 15 years dominating football alongside his fierce rival Lionel Messi, has faded from the European spotlight. Notably, Messi has also been excluded from this year’s 30-man list.
With both superstars out of the running, players like Rodri, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham now have a greater chance of clinching the prize. Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or victories won during his illustrious stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid, leave him second in the all-time rankings. This tally will likely remain unchanged as his European career concludes.
Liverpool are closely monitoring Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi, with plans to reignite their pursuit in 2025, despite the midfielder turning down a move to Anfield during the last transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool made their first signing with Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, agreeing on a deal worth up to £29 million from Valencia. However, Mamardashvili will stay with the La Liga side for the rest of the season before competing with Alisson Becker for the Reds’ No.1 spot.
Another late signing was Juventus winger Federico Chiesa, who joined for an initial £10 million. Yet, Liverpool were left frustrated after being unable to secure Zubimendi, a key midfield target, as part of their summer reinforcements. The club now hopes to revisit the deal in the future.
According to GMS sources, Liverpool is optimistic about reviving their interest in Martín Zubimendi in 2025. With new manager Arne Slot on board, the club’s decision-makers believe the Spanish midfielder would strengthen the squad as they aim to build on Jürgen Klopp’s successful tenure.
The Reds were confident of securing Zubimendi last month, but their plans hit a snag when he opted to stay at Real Sociedad after being urged to remain at his boyhood club. Despite this setback, insiders at Anfield report that the prospect of a future move still appeals to Zubimendi, prompting Liverpool to prepare another bid at the end of the season.
Although the 25-year-old has chosen to continue with Sociedad for another year, Liverpool knows they will have a new opportunity to act. Zubimendi’s contract includes a release clause of approximately £51 million, making a future transfer feasible. GMS sources reveal that his decision to remain was primarily influenced by a desire not to upset key figures at Sociedad, mainly after he recently celebrated winning a Euro 2024 medal.
Liverpool remain undeterred by the potential interest from Real Madrid in Martín Zubimendi, according to GMS sources. The club believes they are in a solid position to renew their pursuit if Zubimendi opts for a move away from Real Sociedad and chooses not to join one of their domestic rivals.
The Spanish midfielder has caught the attention of Los Blancos and has played in all four matches for Sociedad this season. Meanwhile, head coach Carlo Ancelotti keeps a close eye on Zubimendi despite a significant public relations campaign focusing on Manchester City’s Rodri as Madrid’s primary midfield target for next summer.
Real Madrid’s ability to acquire Rodri hinges on whether Manchester City can convince him to sign a new contract in the coming months. Liverpool will monitor this development closely, as it could affect their chances of landing Zubimendi. Additionally, respected journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Arsenal showed interest in the Sociedad midfielder in the closing weeks of the transfer window. However, Liverpool remains confident that the Gunners will not interfere with their plans, especially after successfully securing Mikel Merino.
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