Ballon d’Or has created an online platform where football fans from across the world can send personal farewell messages to Cristiano Ronaldo following his retirement from Portugal’s national team.

The prestigious football award organisation is inviting supporters to share their memories, appreciation and personal stories about the 41-year-old forward through a dedicated section on its official website. Messages have already been submitted by fans from countries including Tanzania, Bangladesh, Brazil, Romania, Guinea and Germany.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Ballon d’Or told Ronaldo’s supporters that they still had an opportunity to participate in the global tribute and send their words to the Portuguese football legend.

“You still have time to leave your message for Cristiano Ronaldo!  Join the global tribute and write your words! Send your message here,” it wrote.

Emotional messages

One of the messages published on the tribute page came from a supporter in Tanzania who credited Ronaldo with inspiring his love for football and teaching him the importance of believing in himself.

The fan described the Portuguese forward as an idol and a hero whose journey had motivated him, particularly his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s most recognised footballers.

“Dear Cris, you made me love football your my idol, You teach me how a man should believe himself. From nothing now your own a lot, GOD bless you, Cris. You’re more than a hero, forever,” the Tanzanian supporter wrote in a message published by Ballon d’Or.

Another tribute came from Bangladesh, where a group of supporters thanked Ronaldo for giving them unforgettable football moments and motivating them to pursue their ambitions.

The supporters said they had grown up watching him play, celebrating his goals and learning from his determination, dedication and refusal to give up.

“Dear Cristiano Ronaldo, from Bangladesh, we want to say THANK YOU for everything you have given to football. You are more than just a football player; you are an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Your hard work, dedication, passion, and never-give-up attitude have taught us to dream big and fight for our goals,” the Bangladeshi supporters wrote in their tribute published on the Ballon d’Or website.

They further said Ronaldo would remain their greatest of all time regardless of what came next in his career, adding that his legacy would live on in the hearts of his fans.

Ronaldo’s 23-year international career

Other supporters used their messages to reflect on the 23 years Ronaldo spent representing Portugal, with one fan praising the forward for his mentality and commitment to the national team.

The supporter credited him with inspiring millions and helping to raise Portugal’s profile in international football through his performances and dedication to the national colours.

The fan also expressed gratitude for the memories Ronaldo had created while wearing Portugal’s red shirt.

“23 years you inspired millions and shown everyone that anything is possible. Your mentality is the best motivation for anyone. Putting a country on the map who hasn’t won anything before. LEGENDARY. Everything you gave for that red shirt and for your flag will always be remembered. Obrigado El Bicho,” the supporter wrote in a tribute published by Ballon d’Or.

A supporter from Guinea also described Ronaldo as a living football legend whose journey from Madeira to the world’s biggest stadiums demonstrated the importance of courage, discipline, sacrifice and determination.

The fan, identified as Aly Ibn Alhassane Keita, said Ronaldo’s achievements had inspired generations and would continue motivating millions of people around the world.

“Pour moi, tu n’es pas simplement un joueur de football, tu es une source permanente de motivation et un symbole de dépassement de soi,” Keita wrote in a message published by Ballon d’Or.

Translated into English, the supporter described Ronaldo as more than a footballer, calling him a Ballon d’Or explains why it is collecting the messages

Ballon d’Or announced the initiative on November 5, explaining that it had received numerous messages from supporters who wanted to tell Ronaldo how much he had influenced their lives.

The organisation said the tributes were arriving from different parts of the world, including India, Nepal, Africa, Portugal, France, Latin America and the United States.

It explained that it intended to bring the submissions together and publish them progressively on its website, giving supporters an opportunity to share their personal stories and appreciation for the footballer.

“So many of you have been writing to us — and directly to Cristiano — to express your love, to tell him how much he has changed your lives, and how deeply he has inspired you with his values of discipline, hard work, determination and the belief that anything is possible,” Ballon d’Or said in its message addressed to football fans and Ronaldo supporters.

Ballon d’Or encouraged fans to share the submission link with their friends so that more people could participate in the tribute.

“Together, we will create something truly special, a collection of tributes that has already touched us enormously,” Ballon d’Or stated.

How to send Cristiano Ronaldo a message

Football supporters who wish to participate can visit the dedicated tribute page on the official Ballon d’Or website.

The page carries the instruction ‘WRITE HERE YOUR MESSAGE TO CRISTIANO RONALDO’, inviting fans to submit personal messages for consideration and publication.

Supporters can explain what Ronaldo has meant to them, share memories of watching him play or thank him for the inspiration they have drawn from his career. They can also identify the country they are writing from, as seen in several of the tributes already published.