Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the 'Ballon d'Or of all
According to Mundodeportivo.
Context
Cristiano Ronaldo, by winning the 'Ballon d'Or of All Time' with the 2008 award, reaffirms his legacy in football, especially during his time at Manchester United. This recognition not only solidifies his position in football history, but also puts him in the spotlight compared to Lionel Messi, whose achievements in 2012 continue to be celebrated. The rivalry between the two players is a recurring theme in discussions about modern football.
Why this matters
The introduction of the 'Ballon d'Or of All Time' in the 2026 edition is a significant recognition of the careers of iconic players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo's selection with the 2008 award highlights his influence on football and the importance of his time at Manchester United, where he established himself as one of the best in the world. This award not only celebrates individual achievements, but also reiterates the rivalry that defined a generation of footballers.
Main conclusions
- Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the 'Ballon d'Or of all.
- In the 2026 Ballon d’Or, the nomination ‘Golden Ball of All Time’ appeared.
- Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 'Golden Balloon of All Times'.
The 2026 edition of the Ballon d'Or introduced a new symbolic nomination: the 'Ballon d'Or of All Time' (BOAT). In this special distinction, Cristiano Ronaldo was named winner with the Ballon d'Or he won in 2008, when he represented Manchester United, surpassing Lionel Messi's in 2012.
The creation of this nomination aims to highlight, on a historical level, the most notable individual achievements since the award became synonymous with the best footballer of the year. In the now known announcement, Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 award was chosen as the maximum reference, in recognition that values the time in which the Portuguese international made a resounding statement in European football at the service of the 'Red Devils'.
The 2008 award marked the first Ballon d'Or of Cristiano Ronaldo's career and consolidated his status among the elite of world football. The season that preceded it was associated with high-level performances and a decisive impact on Manchester United's titles and international prestige, in a period in which the Portuguese striker gathered enough merit to stand out among the best on the planet.
In turn, the reference to 2012 identifies one of Lionel Messi's most famous seasons, also included among the greatest individual performances of the last decade and a half. The symbolic confrontation between the two consecrations — 2008 for Ronaldo and 2012 for Messi — once again highlights the sporting rivalry that marked an era and that continues to fuel comparisons between two of the greatest names in the history of the game.
Without going into detail about the methodology or complete criteria for this nomination, the recognition given to Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 trophy reinforces the Portuguese captain's legacy. For fans in Portugal, it is yet another celebratory milestone in the career of a player who has for many years elevated the country's name on the international stage, adding individual distinctions and top collective titles.
The introduction of the ‘Ballon d’Or of All Time’ thus adds a new chapter to the award narrative, creating space to re-evaluate the great individual seasons of the recent past. And, in this historical reading, the 2008 consecration of the Portuguese international now stands out, ahead of Messi's 2012, as the reference chosen in this first attribution of the new appointment.
What happens next
With the 'Ballon d'Or of All Time' now awarded, attention may turn to the next editions of the Ballon d'Or, where Ronaldo and Messi will continue to be central figures. The impact of this distinction could influence the way future generations of players are evaluated and remembered. Furthermore, the rivalry between the two players could revive debates about who is the best player of all time, especially with the 2026 Ballon d'Or approaching.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the Ballon d'Or of all time?
Cristiano Ronaldo was named winner of the 'Ballon d'Or of All Time' with the Ballon d'Or he won in 2008, surpassing Lionel Messi's in 2012.
Who confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or victory of all time?
The announcement was made in the context of the 2026 edition of the Ballon d'Or.
Why was the Ballon d'Or of All Time created now?
The new symbolic appointment aims to highlight the most outstanding individual achievements since the pr
émio became synonymous with the best footballer of the year.
What changes were made to the 2026 edition of the Ballon d'Or?
The 'All-Time Golden Ball' was introduced, a special distinction recognizing historic achievements.
How important is the 2008 Ballon d'Or for Cristiano Ronaldo?
The 2008 Ballon d'Or marked the first of Cristiano Ronaldo's career and consolidated his status among the elite of world football.