Manchester United’s Ronaldo Beats Messi and Torres to Win First Ballon d’Or in 2008
In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or, an annual football award presented by France Football magazine. The Portuguese winger’s incredible scoring form for Manchester United helped him secure the prestigious trophy, beating out Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Liverpool’s Fernando Torres.
Ronaldo’s dominance in the voting was clear, tallying 446 points to Messi’s 281 and Torres’ 179. He scored an impressive 42 goals in all competitions that season as United clinched both the Barclays Premier League and Champions League trophies.
“It’s one of the greatest days of my life. Winning this trophy … I dreamed about it as a kid. Those who know me, who live with me, know that this is finally a dream come true for me.”
– Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or win marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see him become one of the greatest footballers of all time. He went on to win the award four more times, in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
The Ballon d’Or award is decided by an annual poll of football journalists, who compile a shortlist of 30 players. Ronaldo’s United teammates Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar, and Nemanja Vidic were nominated, along with other English league players Chelsea’s Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard.
Rankings of Ballon d’Or Players in 2008: Ronaldo Takes the Crown
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Manchester United) – 446 points
- Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona) – 281 pts
- Fernando Torres (Spain/Liverpool) – 179 pts
- Iker Casillas (Spain/Real Madrid) – 133 pts
- Xavi Hernandez (Spain/Barcelona) – 97 pts
- Andrei Arshavin (Russia/Zenit St. Petersburg) – 64 pts
- David Villa (Spain/Valencia) – 55 pts
- Kaka (Brazil/AC Milan) – 31 pts
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/Inter) – 30 pts
The Ballon d’Or is not just an individual award, but a reflection of a player’s success with their team. Ronaldo’s 2008 win was a testament to the incredible season that Manchester United had. It was a season where the team showed grit, determination, and an unwavering desire to succeed, and Ronaldo’s contributions were a key factor in their success.
Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or win in 2008 was a well-deserved recognition of his incredible talent and hard work on the field. Similarly, it was also a tribute to Manchester United’s success that season.
When did Cristiano Ronaldo win his first Ballon d’Or award and with which club?
Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or award in 2008 while playing for Manchester United.
Who did Ronaldo beat to win the award in 2008, the first award of his career?
In 2008, Ronaldo beat Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres to win his first Ballon d’Or award. Ronaldo dominated the voting, tallying 446 points. Messi had 281 points and Torres had 179.
Who won the 2008 Ballon d’Or award?
Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2008 Ballon d’Or award.
How did Ronaldo win the 2008 Ballon d’Or award?
Ronaldo won the 2008 Ballon d’Or award due to his incredible scoring form for Manchester United. He scored 42 goals in all competitions, and his contributions were a key factor in Manchester United winning both the Barclays Premier League and Champions League trophies that season.
How many times did Ronaldo win the Ballon d’Or award?
Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or award five times, including his first win in 2008 and subsequent wins in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
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