Cristiano Ronaldo bags Ballon d'Or award recognition

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned the winner of the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award after beating his long-time rival Lionel Messi in a public vote organised by France Football.

The Portuguese superstar received the recognition for his outstanding 2007/08 season at Manchester United, when he scored 42 goals in all competitions and helped the club win both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Ronaldo's remarkable performances also earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.

Ronaldo finished ahead of Messi, whose record-breaking 2012 campaign ranked second in the final results. The Portuguese's 2017 season claimed third place, further highlighting his dominance during one of the most successful periods of his career.

The B.O.A.T. award was introduced to allow fans to vote for the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season in football history. Although Ronaldo emerged victorious in the poll, the result does not change the official Ballon d’Or records.

The 41-year-old has won the traditional Ballon d’Or five times, while Messi holds the record with eight titles. Ronaldo is also looking to write his name imto the history books as he looks to bag 1000 goals.

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