Grand slam winner Novak Djokovic marked his presence during the Ballon d’Or red carpet event. The tennis star addressed multiple questions during an interview but might have stunned fans with some of his statements. Talking about some of the best players in history, Djokovic missed out on Cristiano Ronaldo, which might not go down well with the fans.

With Ronaldo missing the event, Djokovic discussed his thoughts in his interview during the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The player has been enjoying his time of late attending differing sporting events around the world. While soccer fans might not like Djokovic snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo, the Serbian could have offended tennis fans with another massive statement!

Tennis icon snubs Cristiano Ronaldo in his list of elites

Fans saw the Serbian superstar addressing the media during the red carpet event of the Ballon d’Or ceremony. During their conversation, the interviewer asked the tennis icon for their opinion on the likelihood of a Serbian player clinching the Ballon d’Or. Djokovic touched down on the quality of players produced in his country, praising them for their efforts.

However, he noted that with players such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe, the race to win the title goes down the wire. He stated during the interview, “We have some great players of our generation. I think we have the record goal-scorer of the national team, Mitrovic, right now. He’s playing amazing, amazing football. And we have Tadic, who is the captain of Ajax for many years and the captain of the national team. And we have Milinkovic-Savic, so we have good players.” 

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He ended by stating, “With Messi, Haaland, and Mbappe, it’s hard to win the Ballon d’Or.” Yet, the tennis star did not mention Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who dominated the award during the 2010s. It will come as a great surprise to fans worldwide, as they would have anticipated the Serbian to incorporate the Portuguese as well.

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Novak Djokovic calls soccer the most popular sport

While talking to the media during the red carpet event, the Serbian gave a shocking statement that might not sit down well with tennis fans. They asked the player about his presence at the event as he was photographed attending the Rugby World Cup finals. Djokovic added that he loves the game and used to play it as a kid. The Serbian then gave a powerful statement mentioning that soccer was the most popular game in the world.

He stated, “Everywhere but also on the Tennis field. It’s nice to use the opportunity when you have big sporting events like the Rugby World Cup final and the Ballon d’Or. I have neither attended the Rugby World Cup final nor the Ballon d’Or. So I’m really enjoying myself.”

Djokovic ended by mentioning, “I am [a big football fan]. You know that in most of the world you know, Football by far is the most popular sport in the world. I grew up playing football and watching football. My father was a professional player for some time. So I’m really excited to be here.”

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While there is no denying Djokovic’s opinion, tennis fans would not agree with one of their top players endorsing a different sport. What do you think is the most popular sport in the world? Let us know in the comments below.