Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United as a teenage sensation in 2003, but few could have imagined the heights he would reach under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Signed from Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese winger initially dazzled supporters with outrageous skills, electric pace and fearless confidence.

However, Ferguson transformed him into something extraordinary: a ruthless goalscorer capable of deciding football’s biggest matches.

The transformation peaked during the 2007/08 campaign.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League, as United secured another league title and defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final.

His towering header in Moscow helped United conquer Europe, earning him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.

Four more followed at Real Madrid, establishing Ronaldo alongside Lionel Messi in football’s greatest individual rivalry.

While Messi eventually collected eight trophies to Ronaldo’s five, debate over their respective achievements has never disappeared.

Earlier this month, Ronaldo was officially nominated for another Ballon d’Or-related honour celebrating the competition’s remarkable history.

The development followed another turbulent period for the Portuguese legend, who recently received a suspension following an international incident.

Now, the results of the highly anticipated public vote have been revealed.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or award

Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic 2008 triumph with Manchester United has officially finished first in the Ballon d’Or Of All Time public vote.

According to the Ballon d’Or’s official website, Ronaldo topped the final rankings ahead of Lionel Messi’s extraordinary 2012 campaign.

Ronaldo’s 2017 victory completed the podium, meaning the Portuguese superstar occupied two of the top three positions.

Messi’s 2023 triumph finished fourth, followed by Ronaldo’s victories in 2016 and 2014.

The vote ran from 1 to 27 October, allowing supporters to select their favourite Ballon d’Or-winning season from ten legendary players.

Each vote cost €1, with multiple entries permitted.

Importantly, the organisers have clarified that this was a fan poll rather than an additional official trophy.

Harry Kane won the actual 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s Manchester United masterpiece has received another remarkable endorsement from supporters worldwide.