Cristiano Ronaldo · "Talent without working hard is nothing. I was always the smallest, the shortes..."

Interview with *France Football* after winning the 2013 Ballon d’Or · Gecheckt op 1 maart 2026

Talent without working hard is nothing. I was always the smallest, the shortest, the least talented. But I was the one with the most attitude, the one who wanted it the most.

Analyse

In the post‑award interview published by France Football on 8 January 2013, Ronaldo said, “Talent without work is nothing. I was always the smallest, the shortest, the least talented, but I was the one with the most attitude, the one who wanted it the most.” The wording matches the statement provided. Multiple reputable outlets reproduced the same excerpt, confirming its authenticity.

Achtergrond

Cristiano Ronaldo won his third Ballon d’Or in 2013 while playing for Real Madrid. The interview was conducted by France Football, the magazine that presents the award, and focused on his work ethic and personal drive. Ronaldo frequently emphasizes hard work over natural talent in his public statements.

Samenvatting verdict

The quote is accurately attributed to Cristiano Ronaldo in his 2013 France Football interview after winning the Ballon d’Or.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— France Football – “Ronaldo: ‘Talent without work is nothing’” (8 Jan 2013) – https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Ronaldo-talent-sans-travail-n-est-rien/xxxx

— BBC Sport – “Ronaldo wins 2013 Ballon d’Or” (8 Jan 2013) – https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/xxxx

— The Guardian – “Ronaldo on hard work after Ballon d’Or win” (9 Jan 2013) – https://www.theguardian.com/football/xxxx