Video footage captures IShowSpeed’s evident disappointment as Cristiano Ronaldo is snubbed for the Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi winning the prestigious award once more.
YouTube sensation IShowSpeed exhibited visible distress during the Ballon d’Or ceremony when Lionel Messi claimed his historic eighth Ballon d’Or, surpassing his hero Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi’s triumphant year included leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, scoring six crucial goals in the process. IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, is renowned for his fervent support of Ronaldo, who notably didn’t attend the ceremony.
The emotional moment unfolded at the Theatre de Chatelet in Paris when David Beckham announced Messi as the winner. IShowSpeed, aged 18, was seen placing his hands on his head in despair and emitting one of his characteristic outbursts. He even stood up, unintentionally prompting a standing ovation for Messi as he accepted the award on stage.
Speed after Lionel Messi was awarded the Ballon d’Or 😭
Bro might never get invited again 🤣pic.twitter.com/3oV3mEkNJ7
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 30, 2023
IshowSpeed’s presence at the Ballon d’Or ceremony was a surprise, but he made a notable impression during his time in the French capital. He had the opportunity to meet several football superstars, including Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Eden Hazard, Vinicius Jr, and Novak Djokovic, who humorously convinced him that he played for AC Milan.
The Ballon d’Or this year saw Messi triumph over Ronaldo, who wasn’t even nominated for the award. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, had a challenging year at Manchester United, which ultimately led to the termination of his contract after a controversial interview with Piers Morgan on Talk TV. He has since joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, attracting other high-profile players to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.
Messi, too, made a significant career move, leaving Europe to join Inter Miami in MLS after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of the previous season. The Argentine secured the Ballon d’Or ahead of strong contenders Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, both of whom had exceptional seasons. Haaland’s astonishing 52 goals led Manchester City to a treble victory, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. Mbappe, on the other hand, claimed the Golden Boot at the World Cup, scoring eight goals in total, including three in the final, and notching an impressive 41 goals in all competitions as PSG secured Ligue 1.