Ronaldo honoured as greatest Ballon d’Or winner in award that eases Portugal tensions

Cristiano Ronaldo has received a new accolade recognising him as the greatest player in the history of the Ballon d’Or winners, a distinction that has helped repair his strained relationship with Portugal’s national team.

France Football announced on Wednesday that the Al Nassr captain had won its “BOAT” award, celebrating the best player among those to have claimed the Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo was recognised for his victory in 2008, when he collected the prize as a Manchester United player.

He finished ahead of his long-time rival Lionel Messi in the public vote. The Argentina forward came second, based on his 2012 Ballon d’Or triumph with Barcelona.

Portugal’s national team account on X congratulated Ronaldo after the result was announced, posting: “From 2008 to forever, the best Ballon d’Or in history is Portuguese. Congratulations, captain.”

The message provided a new point of contact between Ronaldo and the Portuguese Football Federation after tensions emerged during the most recent international break.

Ronaldo had missed Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway before leaving the squad’s training camp ahead of the meeting with Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently suspended him for 30 days and imposed a fine of 255 euros.

His suspension will expire before the next international break.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has also included the “Madeira Rocket” in his expanded preliminary squad for the international fixtures scheduled for November.

Ronaldo remains the most decorated player in Portugal’s history. He has helped the national team win three major trophies: UEFA Euro 2016, the 2019 UEFA Nations League and the 2025 UEFA Nations League.

He is also Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer.