Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the all-time Ballon D'Or winner, beating out Lionel Messi who has won the most Ballon D'Or awards with eight. The announcement was made by French sports magazine France Football on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. According to the rankings, Ronaldo has won five Ballon D'Or awards, in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, making him the player with the most Ballon D'Or awards in the top 10.
Ronaldo's first Ballon D'Or award was in 2008 when he was a Manchester United player. That season, he played 49 games, scoring 42 goals, including 31 goals that made him the top scorer in the English Premier League. He also won the UEFA Champions League, FA Community Shield, and FIFA Club World Cup that year. In addition to the Ballon D'Or, Ronaldo was also named FIFA's Best Player, won the Golden Boot in Europe, and was named the Premier League's Best Player.
Lionel Messi has won eight Ballon D'Or awards, with his most recent one in 2023. His awards were in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Messi is currently second on the all-time Ballon D'Or list. Other players who have won multiple Ballon D'Or awards include Ronaldo Nazário, Kevin Keegan, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer, Marco van Basten, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
The rankings also show that 32 other players have won the Ballon D'Or at least once. Ronaldo, who is currently 41 years old, has played for several clubs, including Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr. He currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability.
France Football's Ballon D'Or rankings are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in football. The magazine's awards are considered among the most prestigious in the sport. The rankings are determined by a panel of experts who evaluate players' performances over the course of a year.
Ronaldo's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He has consistently performed at a high level throughout his career, earning him numerous accolades and recognition. His all-time Ballon D'Or win is a significant milestone in his career.
The announcement of Ronaldo's all-time Ballon D'Or win has sparked widespread reaction in the football community. Fans and fellow players have congratulated him on his achievement, recognizing his contributions to the sport. The award is a fitting tribute to Ronaldo's remarkable career.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the all-time Ballon D'Or winner, surpassing Lionel Messi's record.
- Ronaldo has won five Ballon D'Or awards, in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
- Lionel Messi has won eight Ballon D'Or awards, with his most recent one in 2023.
