PARIS: Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly topped Lionel Messi in a special award introduced to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, with his 2008 triumph named the best among the award’s historic winners.
According to a report by Express News, the special recognition celebrates the legacy of the prestigious individual football award and highlights Ronaldo’s memorable achievement in 2008.
Ronaldo’s Historic 2008 Triumph
Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 following an outstanding season with Manchester United, during which he played a key role in the club’s UEFA Champions League and Premier League successes.
His performances established him among the leading footballers of his generation and marked the beginning of a remarkable era of individual honours.
Ronaldo and Messi’s Enduring Rivalry
The special recognition also brings renewed attention to the long-running rivalry between Ronaldo and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who have dominated discussions about football’s greatest players for nearly two decades.
Both players have enjoyed extraordinary careers, collecting major individual awards and achieving remarkable success at club and international levels.
The anniversary award provides another milestone in the history of the Ballon d’Or, celebrating achievements that have shaped modern football.
Note: The exact award title, selection criteria and official announcement should be confirmed against the original report before publication.