When Cristiano Ronaldo took footballing world by storm with 1st Ballon d'Or, 11 years ago

On this day 11 years ago, Cristia Ronaldo was confirmed as winner of 2008 Ballon d'Or, ahead of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. It was his first Ballon d'Or win after coming second to Kaka in 2007. Since n Ronaldo has gone on to win four more Ballon d'Or and has become one of best players in football history.

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Manchester United's Cristia Ronaldo - First Ballon d'Or in 2008

Playing for Manchester United, Ronaldo came second in 2007, behind Kaka, but in 2008 re was denying Cristia Ronaldo. He scored 42 goals in prior season to help United win Premier League and Champions League. n 23-year-old was already a FIFPro World Player of Year while also winning domestic recognitions. With his Ballon d'Or win, Ronaldo became  first and last United player to date to claim  Ballon d'Or since George Best in 1968. 

Cristia Ronaldo's win in 2008 marked beginning of dominance by Ronaldo and Lionel Messi until chain was broken by Luka Modric last year. pair shared 10 victories among m till 2017. 

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Cristia Ronaldo - Four Ballon d'Or with Real Madrid

Sticking with Cristia Ronaldo, he had to wait ar five years till his next Ballon d'Or win in 2013 when he scored 55 goals in 55 appearances for Real Madrid. He retained it following year again scoring more than 50 goals for Real Madrid helping m win ir 10th Champions League title in process. Ronaldo went on to add to his Ballon d'Or tally in 2016 and 2017 where he scored 112 goals combined in two seasons and winning two Champions Leagues and a LaLiga title. His win in 2017 saw him tie with Lionel Messi on five wins each.

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Ballon d'Or 2019 - Details

This brings us to this year, where Lionel Messi is once again favorite to make it six Ballon d'Or victories ahead of Ronaldo who plays for Juventus w.  Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held at atre du Chatelet in Paris on December 2  (1:00 AM, December 3, IST)

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