Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008. The award recognized his outstanding 2007–08 season with Manchester United, when he scored 42 goals in all competitions and helped the club win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Ronaldo was Manchester United’s leading attacking player during that campaign. He scored in the Champions League final against Chelsea, then converted his penalty in the shootout as United won the trophy in Moscow. His combination of goals, speed, dribbling and aerial ability made him the standout candidate for the individual award.
The 2008 Ballon d’Or was Ronaldo’s first major recognition as the world’s best player. Lionel Messi finished second and Fernando Torres third. Ronaldo had previously placed third in the 2007 voting, so the result marked a clear rise rather than a surprise breakthrough.
Some quizzes confuse 2008 with 2009 because Ronaldo retained the award’s global prominence after transferring to Real Madrid. He won his second Ballon d’Or in 2013, while his first victory remained tied to his final full season at Manchester United.