Ronaldo pips Messi to win 'Ballon d'Or of All Time' prize - ESPN

Portugal's Football Federation congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on winning the «Ballon d'Or of All Time.»

Following a monthlong public online vote, Ronaldo, 41, narrowly finished ahead of Lionel Messi to win the prize handed by France Football.

The Al Nassr forward was recognized for his 2007-08 season at Manchester United when he contributed to the team's Premier League and Champions League success by scoring 42 goals in all competitions, which led to his first Ballon d'Or.

Portugal's FA wrote on X: «From 2008 to eternity. The greatest Ballon d'Or winner of all time is Portuguese. Congratulations, captain!»

Manchester United and Real Madrid, two of Ronaldo's former clubs, also acknowledged the player's latest recognition.

The Portugal veteran forward won a total of five Ballon d'Or awards, four at Real Madrid (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017). Ronaldo, who is closing in on 1,000 career goals, is already the leading men's international scorer with 143 goals in 225 games.

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