Cristiano Ronaldo: Five Time Ballon d’Or Winner Gets Lowest Ranking in 17 Years at the Prestigious Event

• Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo got his worst Ballon d'Or ranking in 17 years, finishing 20th
• Ronaldo has won the award five times previously, with the last honour coming in 2017
• Lionel Messi and the Portugal captain have dominated the award in the last decade, winning 12 between them

Cristiano Ronaldo got his worst-ever ranking of the Ballon d'Or in 2022, with the legendary Portuguese forward finishing 20th.

The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend last won the award in 2017. With 'Father Time' time catching up with the iconic footballer, it is unlikely he will scoop the prestigious award again.

In 2022, Ronaldo was nominated for an incredible 18th time, but individual and club form meant he was unlikely to pip Karim Benzema.

Ronaldo, alongside his long-time football rival Lionel Messi, have been ever-present for the award over the last decade, winning all the awards since 2008. The only exception was 2018, which was won by Luka Modric.

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Ronaldo's incredible Ballon d'Or record

The Portugal captain has won the award five times, second only to Lionel Messi, who's won it seven times. The 37-year-old has won in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, according to Goal.

He came second in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2018, and third in 2019. He finished sixth last year, according to The Sun.

Ronaldo recently scored his 700th goal to cap off an illustrious career that has seen him win every trophy imaginable, according to Sky Sports.

However, the Red Devils star wanted to engineer a move out of Old Trafford, although his efforts never came to fruition.

With his team struggling to get back to the top, Ronaldo may still leave United in January, according to multiple reports.

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Ronaldo beats Messi again

Sports Brief earlier reported on Ronaldo beating Lionel Messi again, after he was named the world's most marketable athlete by a sporting publication.

The Man United superstar is understood to have racked up a 91.21 score out of the possible 100, to rank ahead of tennis ace Serena Williams and F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton.

Ronaldo also beat the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Tom Brady and Naomi Osaka to the award.