In 2017, Christiano Ronaldo decided to part ways with one of his Ballon d’Or trophies by giving it up for donation.
The 2013 trophy went to auction to raise money for Make-A-Wish, the charity which helps children suffering from serious illnesses.
Idan Ofer, Israel’s richest person, won the prize and won with a €600,000 bid. He posed alongside the trophy with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 with English Premier League club Manchester United and in 2013, 2014 and 2016 with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo had specifically asked for the replica of his 2013 award to be auctioned.
Auctions for Ballon d’Or’s aren’t the most common practice, however, former Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano also sold his for a huge price.
Born in Haifa in 1955, Idan is the son of the late Sammy Ofer, a charismatic billionaire and patron who made his fortune mainly through maritime trade and ships.
He owns a 33% stake in Spain’s La Liga association football club Atlético Madrid, and an 85% stake in Portugal’s Primeira Liga association football club FC Famalicão.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation auction is the most exclusive charitable events in London. There is an online art auction where fortunes are paid for sculptures and paintings and it is all in aid of an organisation that has helped children for over 35 years.
