Who got the 5th Ballon d'Or?

Who Claims the Fifth Ballon d’Or?

When it comes to football’s most prestigious individual honor, few names shine as brightly as Cristiano Ronaldo. He is the player who claimed his fifth Ballon d’Or in 2017, solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. At the time, it was a historic moment—not just for Ronaldo, but for the award itself—marking only the second time a player had reached that milestone.

While Ronaldo proudly stands as a five-time winner, Lionel Messi has since extended the record to eight Ballons d’Or, a testament to his enduring brilliance across more than a decade at the top. Still, Ronaldo’s achievement remains extraordinary, especially considering the elite company he joined. Before him, only legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten had won the award three times. Reaching five was uncharted territory for a generation.

The Ballon d’Or has always been a reflection of excellence, consistency, and impact. Ronaldo’s fifth win came during his dominant years with Real Madrid, where he played a pivotal role in securing multiple Champions League titles and La Liga crowns. His blend of athleticism, precision, and big-game temperament made him a perennial favorite.

It’s worth noting that several other icons have won the award twice, including Alfredo Di Stéfano, Franz Beckenbauer, and Ronaldo (the Brazilian phenomenon), highlighting how rare it is to even reach double digits. But for sheer frequency, only Messi has surpassed Ronaldo’s tally.

In the end, Ronaldo’s fifth Ballon d’Or wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a landmark in football history, a reminder of an era defined by two extraordinary careers pushing each other to legendary heights.