Why Ronaldo Won Ballon d’Or 2013

Fans and pundits ignited debate: why Ronaldo won Ballon d’Or 2013 despite a trophy-less year at Real Madrid. Some called it deserved. Others cried foul. But beneath the controversy lies a story of sheer individual dominance. In this article, VulcanKick will take you through the numbers, narratives, and voting politics that defined this iconic award — and show why, in the eyes of many, Cristiano Ronaldo truly earned it.

The Ballon d’Or 2013 Landscape: Context Matters

2013 was not a “quiet” year in world football. It was the fourth edition of the merged FIFA Ballon d’Or (France Football + FIFA). The award considered performances across club and international stages, over the calendar year. The shortlist was narrowed to 23 players, of which three finalists emerged: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Franck Ribéry.

In the final tally, Ronaldo garnered 27.99 % of the vote, Messi 24.72 %, and Ribéry 23.36 %. The margins were tight. But statistics, influence, narrative, and voter sentiment all played a part.

The Numbers That Couldn’t Be Ignored

To understand why Ronaldo won Ballon d’Or 2013, you must first look at the raw data — and it overwhelmingly favored the Portuguese.

• Ronaldo scored 66 goals in 56 appearances for Real Madrid and Portugal in 2013. His consistency in scoring was unmatched.
• In key moments, he delivered: hat-tricks, matchwinners, and clutch goals that swung games.
• While Ribéry celebrated team success with Bayern’s historic treble (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League), his individual stats lagged—especially in goals scored. Ribéry was lauded for his all-around contributions, but Ronaldo “crushed the competition in finishing,” as noted by statistical reviews.
• Messi, fresh off multiple Ballons, had strong numbers but fell short in sheer goal volume compared to Ronaldo.
• Ronaldo’s international exploits also boosted his case — he played a crucial role in Portugal’s qualification push for the 2014 World Cup, including scoring in playoff matches.

Thus, even without club silverware, Ronaldo’s goal haul, his squad contributions, and key performances built a potent individual case.

The Rival Case: Ribéry vs. Ronaldo vs. Messi

In the Ballon d’Or debate, context and narrative often sway opinions. Let’s examine how Ronaldo fared against Ribéry and Messi.

Ribéry: The Feel-Good Candidate

Franck Ribéry’s 2013 season was phenomenal on paper. He won five trophies (the treble plus Super Cup and the Club World Cup) and was named UEFA’s Best Player in Europe. He provided assists, controlled games, and delivered in decisive fixtures. Many expected him to win the Ballon d’Or as a reward for team glory.

But here’s where voter psychology diverged:

1. Some believed individual brilliance should trump team success.
2. Ronaldo’s goal numbers were more eye-catching to many.
3. The voting deadline extension (from November 15 to November 29) added fuel to conspiracies — Ribéry himself later claimed it was political.
4. Many voters may have favored the more marketable “goalscorer superstar” narrative over the workhorse winger archetype.

Messi: The Veteran Threat

Lionel Messi had dominated the award in prior years (winning four Ballons from 2009 to 2012). He remained a top contender in 2013. But he fell short in margins:

• His assist and playmaking were top-tier, but for this edition, his goal output and decisive impact were slightly behind Ronaldo.
• Some voters may have subconsciously shifted their allegiances after years of Messi victories — “time to pass the torch” sentiment.
• Ronaldo’s narrative of finally breaking through again after missing prior years added emotional weight.

The Voters, Politics, and Timing

No deep dive on why Ronaldo won Ballon d’Or 2013 is complete without discussing the voting apparatus and political undercurrents.

• Voting was conducted by three groups: national team coaches, captains, and journalists.
• The extension of the voting deadline raised eyebrows — critics accused FIFA of trying to accommodate late voting and even to favor Ronaldo.
• Some national coaches later alleged undue pressure in voting.
• The narrow vote split — only a few percent separated each of the top three — magnified every nuance and whis.

The Narrative That Captured Imagination

Awards are as much about story as statistics. In 2013, Ronaldo had become a redemption narrative:

• He had been runner-up multiple times.
• He was perceived as chasing Messi’s dominance.
• His goal feats were headline-making: when fans saw goals like hat-tricks and decisive strikes, the narrative of the unstoppable machine solidified.
• Emotional moments—his tears on stage, his gratitude toward teammates and family—resonated with voters and fans alike.

That narrative, combined with data, gave momentum to his campaign.

Why Ronaldo Won Ballon d’Or 2013: Summary of Key Reasons

Putting it all together, here are the core reasons Ronaldo pulled ahead:

1. Staggering goal output — unmatched in 2013 across both club and country.
2. Clutch performances in big games — delivering when pressure peaked.
3. The power of narrative — built over years, culminating in redemption.
4. Voter psychology — favoring standout individual stats over collective trophies.
5. Margin and politics — close votes magnified every edge Ronaldo had.

His win did not negate Ribéry’s or Messi’s greatness — it simply reflected which combination of data, story, and persuasion swayed that year’s electorate.

Final Thoughts

Why Ronaldo won Ballon d’Or 2013 isn’t a single-factor answer — it’s the intersection of brilliance, consistency, narrative momentum, and just enough electoral advantage. For many fans, it marked not just a triumphant season but a turning point in the Ronaldo-Messi saga.

If you want deep dives into other Ballon d’Or years, comparisons between players, or minute breakdowns of vote splits, VulcanKick is here for you. Subscribe and join us in dissecting the beautiful game — one award, one season, one legend at a time.