Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo only has four of his five Ballon d’Or trophies remaining after he auctioned one off to charity to raise funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or is awarded a replica version – which is usually donated to their club or placed in a personal museum.
Ronaldo sold one of his Golden Orbs to Israel’s richest person after winning it in 2013 and opted to donate it to a charitable cause. The Portugal star’s Ballon d’Or was auctioned in London, with proceeds being awarded to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Idan Ofer, the richest person in Israel, won the prize with an eye-watering €600,000 (£524,920) winning bid.
Ronaldo, now officially with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, has won the Ballon d’Or on five occasions with his first coming in 2008, when he was still in his first tenure with the Red Devils. His second came five years later, which was the one that ended up at auction. Of course it is assumed that he still has his other four with him.
Ronaldo won his subsequent two awards in 2014 and 2015 whilst his final materialized in 2017.
The 37-year-old was nominated for the 2022 edition but ended up finishing 20th without any points.